The Crossing Church

Tiny Tot MMA Fight in Church Nursery

2012-01-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Watching kids in a church nursery can be insightful look into the heart of human beings. This past weekend, I witnessed one very cute little one who as bold as they could possibly be toddle up to another quite cute little one and just RIP a toy right out of their tiny hand. The ripped off one was stunned. They stood there for a moment in awkward silence and then screamed at the top of little lungs.

This wasn't the end of the story. The next time the little perpetrator saw that the other cute little one had another toy in their tiny hand, they, AGAIN, waddled over and stripped them of this one. Only this time, the one who was twice violated, went over and tried to grab their prized possession and take it back, at which point an all out "tiny tot" MMA fight resulted.

I hope it's okay to say it was quite humorous, really, it was, of course neither of them were my children. However, in that very brief moment, these little ones represented us all. James 4:1 & following says, "What causes the fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from the desires that battle within you?"

The reality is, these little ones haven't yet learned to filter their sinfulness and their selfishness or at the very least they haven't become socially adept at making their selfishness look societally appropriate, right?

God wants us to come to Him. He wants us to ask Him. However, sometimes, we ask with all kinds of fouled up junk in our hearts.

Today is a good day to look at what it is we say we want. Today is a good day to assess, the "why" we want what it is we want, I mean, to really assess the reasoning behind it all. Today let's use God's Word as a mirror for our motives. Quite possibly God is silent in our asking cause He knows what will become of us if we get what we want.

I know this, my prayer for today is to continue to ask for the empowerment of God's Holy Spirit in my life to assist me in monitoring my motives, as well as to provide for me the graciousness and gratitude to be truly thankful for what I already do have. I know that when I live in a state of humble gratitude, I don't find myself quarreling and fighting with others or with God. Plus, my prayer life is different, too!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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Missed a day, don't judge me!

2012-01-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

God's Word is powerful and convicting and life changing. It cuts to the core of our being. Today's reading is one of those passages of the Bible that is not easily dismissible. James says...

"Whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point of it, is guilt of breaking all of it..." James 2:10

This is one of those places in Scripture where I get stopped in my tracks, like a deer caught in the headlights. God how often do I justify, rationalize, modify, dismiss my sinfulness. God how often do I tend to think, as well as display in my actions or conversations, "...that, at least I'm better than so and so or better than those people over there..."

God, thank you for your Word, but most importantly for today's reading. Thank you for showing me just who "I" am. I think I'm all that and then some, but how stupid am I. How deluded?

I'm making a commitment to live each day looking in mirror. Instead of pointing the finger at someone or at others, I'm going to take a serious look at the fingers pointing right back at me. I'd ask you to join me, but then I maybe I'd be judging you, which is not my intent. So I guess I'll ask God Spirit to keep the spotlight on me.

Seriously flawed,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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Do People See Jesus in Me?

2012-01-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

It's incredible how easy it is, to say one thing and do another. Politics and politicians have almost conditioned us to the folly of speaking, but not doing. Some of us had parents or coaches or pastors or teachers...whose de facto slogan for life might as well have, "Do as I say, but not as I do!"

The word, "hypocrisy" came to mind as I read James 1:25-27. Hypocrisy is the state of pretending to have virtues, morals or religious beliefs, that one doesn't actually have. James directly gets at our proclivity as people for "talking" a good game, but not actually playing the game. Unfortunately, we do this to our own demise, we're not "blessed" (James 1:25) and God's most excellent way of life, as a result of our two faced behavior, is thrashed and trashed, making our "religion worthless." (James 1:26)

No wonder many leave our churches!!! The peeps proudly carrying those big bibles in, aren't living by it on their way out. Or for that matter, many never, ever show up, cause if it's true that the only bible some people will ever read is our lives, well then we're not all that compelling of a novel. Sad, huh!

First and foremost, I pray that what I say and what I do would be compelling congruent with God's Word. I pray that in my speech, in my actions, in my thoughts, God's Word is at all times on display. I pray that today and tomorrow and forever, I will consciously seek through God's Holy Spirit's power to be more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, more patient, more kind, more good, more gentle, more faithful, more self controlled.

This is my prayer for you, as well. Let us all really live so people see Jesus in us!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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A Kick in the Butt!

2012-01-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

Most everyone has heard the Nike slogan, "Just Do It" right? Well, God thought of it first. God is pretty clear, very direct, not a whole lot of wiggle room, James 1:22, "Do what it (He) says..."

How many times have I read something like...

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..." Luke 6:27

"Give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her..." Ephesians 5:25

"Don't just pretend to love others, really love them..." Romans 12:9

"Love is not rude and does not demand its own way..." 1 Corinthians 13:5

And I think to myself, "I think I'll pass on that one and that one and that one and that one, thank you very much," as if they are negotiable. God is VERY clear! Do what He says! Ouch!

I guess I don't have a whole lot of excuses. God, thanks for the clarity, for the kick in the butt!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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Two Ears, ONE Mouth!

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason. I'm supposed to listen twice as much as I speak which can be extremely challenging. The reality is I don't do very well at this one. James 1:19 is quite convicting.

Why? Cause I want to be heard! My opinion is supposed to matter, not that it does, but I want it to. So, I will often assert myself, at times even interrupting someone. All it takes is looking into the eyes of the one I've cut off to see that look...like don't you care about me, about what I have to say, about what I feel.

At that point my actions (words) are speaking so freakishly LOUD! Sometimes, I might even realize how much of a jerk I'm being and I will apologize, but unfortunately most times I don't.

So today, it was humbling,yet thrilling to read this portion of God's Word. My prayer is not only for this day, but my prayer is for the entire week, that I will string together a series of conversations where I simply listen, mouth shut, ears open.

Pray for me, I will be praying for you!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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My Temptation, My Sin!

2012-01-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today's reading is intensely personal. Why? Cause, temptation seems to camp at my door.

What James says is so true, I know it's NOT God! It's the evil one for sure. He is cruel. He knows something in me will die if I give into the temptation.

It's not a sin to be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He did not sin. So being tempted is part of life. It's not "if" I will be tempted, it's "when." The big question is..."What will I do with the temptation?"

The Bible says in James, "...after desire has conceived it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it's fully grown, gives birth to death." The progression is what I observe...

...desire, give into (do) sin, something in me dies...
...desire, give into (do) sin, something in me dies...
...desire, give into (do) sin, something in me dies...

For example, I've shared at church, I have struggled with the sin of gluttony. I love food. So do you right? Well, I love it too much. See, most folks eat to live, for me, in my stupidity and in my sinfulness, I'd live to eat. I had to finally come to the point in my life, where I admitted my sin.

The same is true in the realm of pornography. As a result of seeds that were sown in my life when in Junior High and High School, where I gave into allure and the enticement of looking and viewing porn. It, like food, had a hold on me. Satan knew it. The truth is, participating in the sinfulness of porn causes portions of your marriage to die. So I had to come to point in my life and in my marriage where I admitted my sin.

The application of these verses for me is...yep, I'm tempted. Yep, I've fallen into temptation's trap. Yep, I don't desire to walk down those paths anymore. And yep, Satan, knows I don't desire to...but he knows parts of me still want to...so because I want a GREAT marriage more than I want porn, because I want to physically be fit, not fat. I have to...

First: Admit I've got a problem.
Second: Give the control of my will and my life over to Jesus
Third: Allow others to hold me accountable (even Sue), put boundaries in place,
Fourth: Stay away from situations and circumstances
Fifth: Continuously remember, that the allure and the enticement is NOT BIGGER than Jesus in me
Sixth: Know that in Jesus, I have the discipline, the victory, so live in it! (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

Where are choosing to give into Satan's temptations? Well, I'm here to tell you...you, too, can be free. I'm praying for you.

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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They get all the breaks!

2012-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

Ever felt like like everyone else has it together? Or has a bit more? Or doesn't ever seem to encounter the hardships you endure? Throughout my youth, I'd find myself frequently wishing I was someone else.

Don't get me wrong, I love my folks and have come to be incredibly appreciative of all that was showered upon me, however, it doesn't negate the fact there were times I was prone to escapist dreaming. Wishing I could live there, eat there, shop there, drive that, buy that, have that...

Now as I watch folks age, myself included, I realize the playing field over time is leveled. It's like God is saying to me, "Hang in there! Tim, there's something WAY more important than what you see, here and now, it's what's coming after..."

As I read James 1:9-12...I sense that God is trying to communicate to folks on both ends of the "blessing" spectrum. God's reminding those who are looking at life up from the pit, not to forget He's there. But if you're tempted to think as you're viewing your world from some high peak, that somehow you got there because of you, well, watch out, cause you just might be on your way down.

As I ended my time today in God's Word, this was my prayer, "God, I genuinely sense all the indicators in my life and my world are upward and to the right. I thank you for my marriage. I thank you for my kids. I thank you for the people I get to work around. I thank you for the church I pastor. I thank for the incredible place I live. Life is good, thank you...but God I want you to know if its all taken away tomorrow...I'm still yours and I commit myself to staying true to YOU!"

This is my prayer for you as well. In the good times, rejoice...cause God's there! In the bad times, rejoice, cause God's there, too!

Have a super day!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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James 1:5 is a GAME CHANGER!

2012-01-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's always been interesting to me that we generally associate "wisdom" with older age. Like somewhere between...what...60-75 years of age, all of a sudden something special strikes and you're wise.

I get it, generally after swinging wildly at a few of life's curve balls, somewhere along the continuum you are supposed to learn to wait for the right pitch. Yah, I would hope to think that after a few really bad decisions, you finally figure out how to make some pretty good choices so as to make solid contact with the ball.

But that's not what James tells me in what I read for today, he says through the Holy Spirit's guidance as he writes, "if you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you..." (James 1:5) I guess I've been misled all this time, wisdom is right there for the asking. God, thank you that I don't have to wait until I grow up.

Please, please remember, a definition of wisdom, God's wisdom, is the ability to view life, from His (God's) vantage point. This means, in each and every circumstance of life, God invites me to sit next to Him in the lifeguard stand or in the pressbox high above the field of play to see what He sees. I would get to see not only the incredible good stuff but also the horribly bad junk (James 1:2).

Imagine how different my choices and decisions would be if I made them based on observing what God observes and then doing what God would do. The verse is a GAME CHANGER!

Thank you Lord that you not only want me to see what you see, but you want me to ask you to guide all that I do and then you promise to stand next to me facilitating my every move. Wow, what an opportunity!!! All I have to do is ask. Thanks for this very amazing gift!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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I'm Tebowing Today!

2012-01-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Most people see a headline like, "I'm Tebowing today" and if they've kept up at all with the images and news posts, they might think I'm kneeling or praying. Actually, the dude, Tim Tebow made me think of Day 2's reading, http://bit.ly/y2aaAU, from James 1:2-4. I read from The Message version of the Bible where it says in verse 2, "Consider it a sheer gift, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides..."

My initial reaction is, "You've got to be kidding, right? A gift? Come on, be serious! Who considers tests, trials, difficulties, challenges as a potential "blessing" or opportunity." Most of the time, it can be an reason to whine or complain or at the very least ask, "Why me?"

Yet, what God reminded me of this day is, who I am inside is revealed by how I respond on the outside, not just in good times, but in times that really stink. So I today, I thought of Tebow. He's been maligned and bad mouthed by everyone, yet He continues to sincerely smile. He seems to always be thinking, here's a chance to represent my Lord, Jesus Christ.

See God wants to use the "sucky" times of life to shape me in my character. The Good News is God is consistent, Romans 5:1-5 says the same thing in a bit different way.

Therefore, God, I'm making a commitment to you this day...to walk out life knowing that every circumstance and situation, good or bad, is a chance to represent you. I'm looking forward to the value added possibility of developing more maturity as my character is shaped like yours.

It's a bit scary but I'll say it anyway, "Bring it on!!!"

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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Way Excited, Day 1, Bible Reading Plan

2012-01-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

I woke up excited, amped actually, why? Our entire church is reading God's Word. You can, too!!!

Join me, join us, we're reading through the book of James, all you've got to do is follow this link, thecrossing.com/3thirty select day 1 and begin the journey of growing in God's Word.

I would love it, if you would share with me what God is teaching you as you read or share with all your friends and post it on Facebook, just push the Facebook icon and type a message to your wall.

Have a super day! I trust you will be like James, "a servant of Jesus Christ."

Tim
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
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You're invited, New Series at The Crossing

2012-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Still committed? Still on track? Still resolved? I am cheering for you. You CAN do it!

This past weekend I asked everyone, "How will you be different 365 days from today?" Most were excited about the possibilities of change and we should be. Many desire to be different, want areas altered, and sadly give up too soon. My prayer for you in this New Year is the change you desire would be realized.

I believe the best way to continue in the journey to newness of character is through God's Word. This year, more than ever, I strongly urge you to attend the NEW series we're launching at The Crossing called Mii Fit. Here is what God has to say, in 1 Timothy 4:8, "Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever." (The Message)

I know not everyone in the New Year sets goals to be fit physically, but this principle holds true across ALL areas. A disciplined life in God ought to be our focus. Therefore, DO NOT MISS one weekend (Sat. 5:30 pm & Sun. 9:15 & 11:15 am) of this new series. I guarantee you, that's right, guarantee you, if you give yourself to what will be communicated you WILL be different. What you will hear WILL help you both for "today and forever."

I look forward to seeing you at The Crossing this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Special New Year's Weekend at The Crossing

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is now past. In fact, I hope your Christmas was spectacular. No, not because you received some incredible present or gift, but because you were able to celebrate Jesus. Our 6 Christmas services were amazing. God moved. People were touched. The name of Jesus was made famous.

Christmas is over which means we are just days away from another New Year. I must confess, I'm not all that into the drop of the ball or the reverie of a late night/early morning party. However, I am giving great thought to some important questions like, "How will I be different at the end of 2012?" Or "Where in my life do I need to yield more of me to become more like Him(Jesus)?"

I don't desire to repeat another year…all over again, as the same person I am today. Yet unfortunately some folks do. They won't be another year wiser personally, or richer relationally or spiritually more mature. I am sure you're wanting to be different 365 from now. Here's how…

There are all kinds of reasons why it would be easy to blow off church at The Crossing the weekend of December 31/January 1, but don't do it! To start the new year, I have a special New Year's message just for you (it's for me, too). The times are Saturday, December 31 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m. Come before going out on New Year's Eve or bring your coffee and I'll see you in the morning, either way, stop by. I guarantee you, you'll be glad you did.

Happy New Year,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Christmas Services at The Crossing

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Why wrap gifts and presents? I mean, really. Nobody cares about the wrapping. Almost immediately it goes in the trash. I don't get it.

And before you go off on me, thinking I'm some sort of Scrooge or Grinch, I'm not, I love Christmas. I love to give to gifts. It is so fun to give. I've just always struggled with the wrapping paper. I just as soon give my gifts in the paper bag or the plastic bag from the department store. It's what's inside that counts, right?

However, there IS one gift given that I am so glad came in special wrapping. This particular gift is Jesus. He was wrapped in skin. It sounds a bit weird to say it that way, but it is true. Because He came in human form, He can relate to us. "Wow," is about all I can say…and "thank you, Lord!"

This coming, Thursday, Friday, Saturday…we will be celebrating God's gift to humanity. I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of our Christmas services.

Merry Christmas,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be awesome if some of that cold white stuff made it's way to Orange County? Some of you might think so, while others wouldn't be all that thrilled. However there is something we CAN get excited over, the arrival of Jesus. Yet with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many get more amped in preparing for the killer deals, instead of planning for the advent of the SAVIOR of the world.

At The Crossing we are taking the entire month of December to ready ourselves spiritually, personally, and relationally for Christmas! I promise you it IS going to be a great month. We kick things off this weekend, December 3 & 4. DO NOT miss out! I GUARANTEE you, you'll be encouraged. I PROMISE you, you'll be refreshed. I ASSURE you, you'll be energized.

At The Crossing, we are seeking to recapture a bit of the startling and astounding GOOD NEWS proclaimed that very first Christmas. So I urge you, set aside each weekend during this often chaotic and hectic month to celebrate Jesus with us at The Crossing. I am praying BIG prayers that you will meet Jesus in new and fresh ways over the next 30 days.

Making Jesus Famous,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Time Change Weekend, "Fall Back!"

2011-11-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yippee, this weekend we get what will seem like one more HUGE hour of sleep on Sunday. This, quite possibly, is the best weekend of the year; sorry it's due to such shallow reasoning.

Being from the Midwest, this has always been my favorite time of the year. Through the months of autumn, September, October and the beginning of November, the colors of leaves were often vibrant and the air crisp. The leaves would fall and we'd rake them into incredibly large piles and proceed to dive into them while catching football after football after football. Fun times, great memories! So. Cal. is a bit different, but I enjoy Fall just as well. I appreciate the change in temperature and the soon coming winter rains.

This weekend is going to be OFF the CHARTS! Such amazing feedback from last week as I shared the speaking with Sue, my bride. Thanks! We have 3 more weeks of this series, Sex, Dating, Mating. I promise you, you do not want to miss any one of the three.

Come Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. and sleep in on Sunday! Or after that wonderful one hour of elongated slumber, attend on Sunday at 9:15 or 11:15 a.m. The next two weekends we will dive into the book of the Song of Solomon. If you've never engaged much with these chapters in the Old Testament, I can tell you from experience it's amazing that God gave us the gift of these words. It's really clear, sex IS His idea.

So whether it's Saturday or Sunday, I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Tim Celek

Lead Pastor
The Crossing

A Great Beginning

2011-10-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's quite difficult to not put "sex" in the subject line of this email, but then your spam filters would kick it into junk mail and that would not be a good thing. However, it is a good thing that we are talking about sex in the church, after all, it's all around us; magazines, internet, TV, movies and advertisements. It's about time the church discusses it, since God is the author of our sexuality.

In just one week, the buzz is huge. So DO NOT MISS this weekend! Just to remind you, we have service times on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday morning at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. We have children's (nursery – 5th grade) programming and Junior High (6th –8th grade) at all 3 service times.

What is amazing is how often in the realm of relationships we'll "settle" or compromise. I see it more so with women. Often someone is looking for "Mr. Right," but they settle for "Mr. Right Now." This compromise only leads to hurt, emotional drama and trauma. God DOES have something better in store.

Ultimately, what a man AND a woman desire is intimacy. Yet, societally we have substituted sex, something easily obtainable, for that which seems elusive, deep intimacy with another human being. Do not miss this weekend as we continue to unpack timeless truth from God's Word. Plus, bring a friend!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek

Lead Pastor
The Crossing

New Weekend Series at The Crossing

2011-10-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's every where; television, internet, magazines, movies and NOW at The Crossing. We are launching a new series, "Sex, Dating, Mating." Someone asked me, "Why in the world would you talk about these things in church?" I said, "Because God talks about it and He talks about it A LOT.”

Plus, the world we live in is consumed with it. Think about it. Movies like, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, What Woman Want, Hitch, There's Something About Mary, The Proposal, Knocked Up, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, He's Just Not that Into You, Crazy Stupid Love, No Strings Attached, etc., etc., capture audiences with plots about dating, marriage and the intricacies of sex. The escapades displayed in movies such as these and more have become the classrooms where the vast majority of culture takes their cues.

God desires incredible marriages, but unfortunately faulty foundations for marital unions are poured during the days of dating. Check out this 7 week series beginning this weekend. The series will be provocative and will cause you to think. This series could irritate. In fact, I'll go even further, it may just change your life. You do not want to miss it. Bring a friend, you will be glad you did!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek

Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. See you Friday night, October 7, at fan-ta-bu-lous on the campus of The Crossing. Get there early. The pre-program begins at 6:30; the main event starts at 7 p.m.

Bald Tires & Bad Brakes

2011-07-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that my wife, Sue, and I have been on a Harley riding journey through Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and now as I write this, Utah.

However, this weekend, I will be at The Crossing. I'm really looking forward to it!

In regards to this road trip, the memories are many. The arguments are few. The sights are most often supernatural. Yet, the one thing that I can't get away from daily are the decisions I have to make.

Sue and I marvel at how the decisions that I'm constantly choosing between are often, no joke, between life and death. I've had to make decisions in the middle of severe lighting storms, as well as, while looking at the radar of what might be heading into our path. Decisions to stop, speed up or juke to the right or left when deer or elk are crossing the road. Decisions to pause and refill, refuel and/or relax. It's not a good thing to have slow reflexes when you're on two wheels.

One of the big decisions was to wait a day and get a "kinda" bald rear tire replaced, even though I REALLY wanted to ride a mountain pass that's been on my "bucket" list. In fact, as I write this, I'm contemplating another choice I have of whether or not, tomorrow, to get my brakes checked. A sensor light keeps coming on, but the problem is I have plans to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon before we finish this journey and I REALLY want to go. What do you think I should do?

Isn't it true, our lives are the sum total of the decisions we make; daily decisions, weekly decisions, monthly and yearly. Some of us in the moment make wise choices and others of us make some pretty stupid ones. We don't have all the time necessary to learn how to make the best of choices. The reason being, good choices are frequently learned from making bad ones. I learned a long time ago, I'd rather learn from others who have made both good and bad decisions. This way I'm taking advantage of the experience of others.

One such person who made a dumb decision was a guy named Jonah. You might have heard of him. He's the guy who was swallowed up into the belly of an incredibly big fish. His stupid decision was to say "no" to God and do what he wanted to do. It cost him BIG TIME! But you've been there and so have I. We've made some dumb decisions and it has cost us; cost us money, relationships, jobs, business, etc.

The good news is this, God continuously offers dumb decision makers like us the opportunity for a Second Chance. I want to ask you to join me this weekend as we dive into this very subject. Invite someone to come with you!

In fact, this Saturday night is the last night of our free Summer Concert Series following the Saturday night service. Moi Navarro's band is playing. Let me tell you, I've heard this guy and he's really good!

Either way, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. or Sunday at 9:15 or 11:15 a.m., I look forward to seeing you this weekend as we learn to make smart choices and wise decisions!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor

The Crossing

Day One! Road Trip!

2011-07-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

What a day! It started off early. We spent the night in Palm Desert at a friend's home. Sue & I got a great start at 5 am. What beauty to see the sunrise over the desert landscape. God's goodness on display.

When we did this ride 2 years ago, I thought it was hot then, today the temp gauge on the Harley read 115, it was hotter this time. However the smell of pine trees heading into Prescott, the twisty road to Jerome, and the Red Rocks of Sedona, more than made up for the heat. We love riding. Sue does, I do. I'm blessed to have someone like Sue.

We ended our day reading God's Word together. We read the Gospels of Matthew 1, Luke 1, and John 1. I'm encouraging everyone to journal using something called S.O.A.P. I've already stated the "S" the Scriptures. The "O" stands for observation. My biggest observation was how from the people of the Old Testament listed in Matthew, to Luke's Gospel with Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and John the baptist and then to John's writings about the first disciples, Andrew, Simon, Phillip, and Nathaniel...to this very day, God uses ordinary people. People like YOU and me.

It's all about Jesus, yes, however, God uses us in big ways. As frail and fouled up as we are God works in and through ordinary people. The "A" stands for application. My application is to do my best not to allow my stupid biases and petty judgments to get in the way of seeing how God desires to use those who cross my path so very often at The Crossing.

"P" is for prayer, which is what I'm off to do, right now!

So read through the Gospels in 30 days. We'll travel with Jesus together.

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing
tim.celek@thecrossing.com

Gospel Road Trip on the Harley

2011-07-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Sue & I are starting today, reading through the gospels in 30 days. I hope you'll do this with us. You start when it fits into your schedule. Go to YouVersion.com & set up an account. Select reading plans, go to the partial bible section & select 30 days through the Gospels. Begin the exciting journey of learning about Jesus and his life. It's ALL about Jesus. Please share with me what you're learning as you read God's Word at tim.celek@thecrossing.com

I'm writing this from Blythe, CA. We're on the Harley headed to Sedona, Arizona. I'm looking forward to some incredible God made scenery from the Red Rocks around Sedona & the Grand Canyon. Can't wait!

You can go to my Facebook account to see pictures I'll be posting.

Enjoy your 4th of July.

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Earliest Memories

2011-05-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm kicking off a new 3-part series this weekend titled "Memories." It has me reflecting about life; my life and the multiple THOUSANDS of memories that often swirl around in my mind. There are a ton of memories, both good and bad, that take up space on the hard drive of my heart.

You know how on computers you can empty the "trash can" of your deleted files? Generally, on both PCs and Macs, there's the dialogue box that says, "Are you sure you want to permanently delete these files?" This question used to bug me when I first starting using computers. I always thought when I initially deleted them that they were GONE. Yet now my computer was telling me they were still there and I had to take an extra step to FULLY eliminate them from the hard drive.

As I peruse, particularly the painful memories of my past, I wish, I really do, that I could permanently delete them. The cool part is that in Jesus Christ I AM a new person. So even without the ability to fully forget, with the Holy Spirit's power living inside of me, I can be set free from my past to live a reinvigorated life in the present.

They say there are two things true of every person, "death and taxes." I'm going to add a third, "memories." Mine aren't the same as yours, and vice versa, but we've all experienced things, some good, some bad. The question then is, how do we live a positive life of freedom in Christ right here and right now? Do not miss this weekend or any weekend over the next three weeks as we tackle this topic! It's going to be GOOD, really good!!!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

The OC Marathon and The Crossing Church

2011-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'll get to the OC Marathon and The Crossing Church, but first a recap of Easter weekend at The Crossing! In raw numbers we were up 20% over last year's Easter weekend which is an increase of over 1,000 people. We were packed with adults and children which is both a good thing and a God thing. Yea God!

We were able to use the "new" auditorium fully and learn a bit of what we'll need to know when it opens full time in the middle of June. Sure we've got some bugs to work through, but a big shout goes out to all of you who attended either Good Friday or Easter weekend. Thank you for your understanding and patience. But most of all, thank you for inviting and bringing people to hear the life changing news of John 3:16, "that whosoever believes in Him (the risen Jesus Christ) should not perish but have everlasting life."

This weekend we kick off a new series and I'm pretty amped! The series is titled "Hope Lives." However, THIS Sunday is the OC Marathon. Due to the close proximity of the Marathon there will be various road closures which I'm convinced will cause back ups on the 55 fwy and potentially Newport Blvd. So please take a look at this link for what roads are closed and during what hours. The one thing I will say, don't let the inconvenience of a little traffic or road obstacles stop you from coming to church OR come on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m.

Either way, I WILL see you this weekend at one of our six services, Saturday 5:30 p.m. or Sunday 8:30, 9:30, 10, 11, 11:30 a.m. I'm sure looking forward to it.

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Good Friday & Easter Weekend at The Crossing

2011-04-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Jesus told them, "As you go into the city, you will see a certain man. Tell him, 'The Teacher says: My time has come…'"(Matthew 26:18). Growing up, I always wanted to have powers that would enable me to predict the future, albeit for the wrong motives. As I've grown, I've become convinced it's a good thing God didn't give me that supernatural gifting. Knowing what's going to happen, would've led to massive disappointment or debilitating fear or worry, possibly even premature celebrations.

Get this…imagine knowing you're earthbound to die a horrible death, yet having the forethought to know you'd be rising again! What a life! What responsibility! What love!

This entire weekend at The Crossing is ALL about the person who knew it all and did it all, Jesus!!! I'm really hoping you'll be attending Good Friday, THIS Friday, on the campus of The Crossing at either 12 or 7 p.m. (Childcare is provided). Get there early! We will be doing just what Jesus asked us to do, "remembering His death…"

Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 a.m. is all about Jesus risen! There is a spectacular Children's program planned for children nursery through 5th grade.

The services on Good Friday are different than those on Saturday and Sunday. DO NOT come by yourself! Bring a friend, neighbor, co-worker, family member. It's going to be a great weekend at The Crossing (BTW, that statement has nothing to do with me knowing the future, only knowing I have a BIG GOD!)

See you soon,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

It's Friday...

2011-04-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

One of the best sermons I've heard was titled, "It's Friday!" On Friday, April 22, we celebrate what we call Good Friday (The Crossing's Good Friday service times are noon and 7 pm). Back to the sermon, it was delivered by a man named Tony Campolo. I've included a youtube link:

This isn't the original, but you can watch and/or listen to a similar version of what I heard years ago. Here are some of the phrases from that message…for the completion of the phrase, you'll have to listen to the link.

It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But…
It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But…
It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But…
It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But…
It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But…
It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But…
It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but…
It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but…
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But…

Join me Friday, April 22 on the campus of The Crossing, either at noon or 7 p.m. (Childcare is provided) as we celebrate "Friiiiiiiiidaaaaaay…" and we remember that Sunday is coming!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Someone used my towel and then…

2011-04-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

The freakiest thing happened the other day at the gym. I finished taking a shower, went out to get my towel and it's NOT there. Just minutes before, I placed it on the hook, now it's gone. There were other towels hanging on the various hooks, but none of them were MINE. Walk into the locker room and there is MY towel…in someone else's hands, drying off someone else's body. Incredulously I said, "Hey bro…that's my towel you're using!" And then, no kidding, the dude looked me straight in the eye and said, "Sorry, but it's not, it's my towel."

At that point, everything in me is saying, "Let it go, just let it go…" But I didn't let it go. I said, "Dude, that's my towel…bring your own flippin towel!" He resolutely restated his earlier phrase, "Sorry, but it's not your towel. It's my towel."

I'm thinking this is like a Seinfeld episode or maybe Ashton Kutcher is somewhere hiding and I'm being "Punk'd." Needless to say, I was TICKED! It wasn't so much that the guy used MY towel and then put MY towel in his gym bag and took it home with him. What irritated me was that he wasn't telling the truth! This wasn't a white lie. There wasn't even any gray to it…it was just a flat-out, bald-faced non-truth!

DO NOT MISS this weekend as we continue in the Crazy Love series looking at the phrase, "Love delights in the truth…" I'm telling you, God's Word is off the hook. This love stuff is rocking our worlds. Check it out! Bring a friend! Our service times are Saturday @ 5:30 pm and Sunday @ 8:30, 9:30, 10, 11, 11:30 am.

Also, make sure you get your Easter tickets. They're totally and completely free, but this year…you NEED a ticket. We want to make sure everyone has a seat. The ticket allows us to plan appropriately. So pick up your ticket this weekend on the campus of The Crossing. The Easter service times are Saturday @ 5:30 pm and Sunday @ 8:30, 10 & 11:30 am.

See you this weekend…btw, I hope the dude that took my towel shows up!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. In keeping with our desire to help everyone grow in their relationship with Jesus, we are taking a whole church Spiritual Survey. If you've not taken the Spiritual Life Survey yet, I sure would like you to do so. It's totally anonymous and secure. It will take you 30-40 minutes. Please use this link. This survey allows us to get a clear spiritual "reading" of our church. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

A Big "Ask"

2011-03-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Personally, the past 3 weeks of the Crazy Love series have been excruciating and exhilarating. Excruciating, because I've had to look at the "love" that I display to those I come in contact with throughout a day, week or month. As I've shared, it's been painful to take a bold look at me. Regarding the patient, kind, envy, ego, pride, and now this week, the rude and demanding aspects of me have been excruciatingly painful to realize and see.

However, it has been exhilarating at the same time because these 3 weeks I've been so aware of "walking in the Spirit" moment by moment. God's Word has had a profound effect on my behavior. Don't get me wrong, it's not always been easy, but I do like the "Spirit-filled" Crazy Love Tim better and I'm noticing that people do too! I trust you are letting God work in you as well. Now on to my BIG ASK!

All Church Spiritual Life Survey

It's always been my desire as your pastor to do everything we can to support and encourage your spiritual growth. Recently we've learned of a tool that will assist us as a church in knowing what’s helping you grow spiritually and what’s getting in the way. Therefore, I'm asking you as an attender of The Crossing to set aside 35-40 minutes this next week to take a Spiritual Life Survey.

• It’s completely anonymous.
• It’s extremely important.

Hey, I know you are very busy, but this is very important. The findings from this survey will shape our decisions about how to create the best possible ministry strategies to serve our church. Please use this link to access the survey; also feel free to pass the link along to all your friends who call The Crossing their church home.

Thank you so much. Do NOT miss this weekend. We're continuing in the Crazy Love series as we look at the topic of "Rudeness."

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Days are getting longer, yea!

2011-03-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great kickoff last weekend to the new series, "Crazy Love!" As I shared this past weekend, patience isn't one of my top virtues. Whether it's counting the people in grocery store check out lines, driving a car NASCAR-style or doing my best in a conversation to be fully present, often times I'm darting here and there. Yet this week has been different. Yea God!

This week I practiced the discipline of "slowing." I decided to let people go in front of me in line. During conversations, I was attentive. And for the most part, I've driven the speed limit. I can't say it was me because each day, as well as many moments during the day, I found myself asking for the power of God's Spirit.

This weekend we continue discussing "Crazy Love." DO NOT miss it! I've heard so many people say they are going to bring a friend. I hope you do as well. Something to remember if you attend church on Sunday mornings, THIS WEEKEND, the clocks "spring forward." It is a good news/bad news proposition. The bummer is we lose an hour of sleep. The good news is there will be more day light at the end of the day.

Whether you're ending your day by attending The Crossing on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. or you're beginning your day on Sunday at The Crossing, 8:30, 9:30, 10, 11, or 11:30 a.m., I can guarantee you'll be glad you came.

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Remember to jump in a "Crazy Love" group. We have Connection groups on the campus of The Crossing or Community groups that meet in homes. You can get more information by selecting this link.

Ever been cut off in traffic?

2011-03-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Most of my time driving is on "two" wheels, either the scooter or the Harley. Very rarely am I in what I call a "cage", you know those things with four wheels called cars. So I'm ALWAYS lane splitting, zipping in and out of traffic, moving faster and getting places quicker than the average person. Believe me it's nice, real nice!!!

So here's an admission that I'm not terribly proud of, but often I turn into a freaking IMPATIENT "caged" animal when I get behind the wheel of a car. Nobody seems to go fast enough, or all you see are those red braking tail lights for NO apparent reason! In times like those, I wish I had a Bat-mobile or maybe some of you remember, Speed Racer's car. If I had a vehicle like that, then I could get where I need to go, how I want to go and at my speed.

However, the problem isn't the traffic, other drivers or that I don't have a cartoon like car. No, the problem is ME! It's my attitude and my actions that need altering. This might even seem silly to say in this context, but it comes down to the fact that when I’m behind the wheel of a car, I'm not very loving. Yep, that's right, not very loving!!! God says in 1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient…" Therefore, when I'm being an impatient jerk of a driver, there's no love flowing. It's that clear.

Okay, here's the deal. I'm inviting YOU to a brand new series we're starting this weekend at The Crossing. It's titled, “Crazy Love.” The first topic is patience. DO NOT miss it. If you or anyone you know struggles with the issue of patience, make sure they come. It's going to be really good. The service times are Saturday, 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 8:30, 9:30, 10:00, 11:00 & 11:30 a.m. Did I say, it's going to be REALLY good? Don't miss out!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Doug and Sarah Davies

2011-02-10T09:16:00.001-08:00

Doug and Sarah Davies Testimony from The Crossing on Vimeo.

2011-02-10T09:15:00.001-08:00

New building sneak peek nights teaser from The Crossing on Vimeo.

2011-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Brent & Kerri Bordelon's Testimony from The Crossing on Vimeo.

What "Really" Matters?

2011-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

I used to scoff at, or at the very least, dismiss someone who would say, "When I was young, I thought I knew what was most important, but over time what used to matter doesn't matter as much anymore…" Even as their sentence was finishing, I was already rolling my eyes and ready to move on with the conversation.

Have you ever given much thought to what matters, I mean what really matters in this life?

If you're like me, maybe you’ve had to change positions or opinions a time or two. Maybe you're more politician in your approach, that is you've held a public viewpoint, the kind that plays well before an audience, one that's highly altruistic and heavenly focused. However, behind closed doors and private pursuits, you find yourself engaged in an all out, egocentric approach to life.

It's oddly humorous to me how quickly, usually in the span of less than 7 days, we divorce ourselves from the sentimentality of the Christmas season. Why do the "Scrooges" and the "Grinches" only get airplay for two weeks in the middle of December? These two had to learn the "Hollywood" way concerning what really matters. Unfortunately, many of us don't have that luxury. We learn the real way, meaning the hard way.

I'm excited because we kick off a new series at The Crossing beginning this weekend, January 8 & 9. The series is titled, "What Matters!" I urge you to attend. Make sure you invite someone else to come with you. Our service times are Saturday at 5:30 p.m. & Sunday at 8:30, 9:30, 10, 11, 11:30 a.m.

See you this weekend!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Giving & Receiving

2010-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've been asked two primary questions over the last couple of days. First, "Did you have a good Christmas?" Second, "What did you get? What did Santa bring you? Was Santa good to you this year?"
Most people don't seem to pay much attention to the response to the first question. We just expect to hear, "Yes, it was great." And even if it wasn't all that great, we don't tell anyone, right? However the answer to the second question brings the liveliest of discussions.
We like sharing with others about what we received. And it's quite interesting to hear about what others might have gotten during their Christmas exchanges. Great joy and exuberance displays itself in the body language and facial communication, not to mention the words of those who are excited over what they received.

As we're about to close the year out at The Crossing, I wish you could see the great excitement and joy I'm experiencing over what we, The Crossing, have been given over this past year. In particular, the giving of your financial resources! Your dollars, given generously, make a HUGE difference in the lives of SO many. The stories of impact of people in our church, community and world many times go unheard and unseen, but believe me, it's BIG!
As we close out the year, I want to remind you that if you are planning to give a year end financial gift and have it "count" for the 2010 tax year, you must either give online (use this link) or send in your contribution so that it's postmarked on or before December 31. Thanks so much.
I'm looking forward to the new year. As a church we will be experiencing so many new opportunities. It promises to be another big year to make the name of Jesus famous!

Happy New Year,
Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain!

2010-12-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

As a youngster growing up in Northwest Ohio, I looked forward to seeing loads of snow leading up to our Christmas school break. Some of you So. Cal. natives may not be able to relate, but I LOVED to play in the snow, the more the merrier! We didn't always have it, but when we did, particularly on our Christmas break, my friends and I would build snow hut villages connected by a series of massive tunnels. Hours upon hours of creativity and ingenuity would flow. We hated it when our parents would whistle or call us to come in for dinner.
Those days are long gone. Southern California is now my home. My kids never got to experience such thrills. In fact, this entire week for us in So. Cal., instead of singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…", our chorus could be, "Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!"
I'm here to tell you rain isn't as fun as snow. The other thing I want to tell you, don't let a little rain keep you away from celebrating the Christ of Christmas.
We have 8 Christmas services this week to serve you. The Christmas week services start on Wednesday, December 22 at 7 p.m. They continue on Thursday night, December 23 at 6:30 & 7 p.m. Last, on Christmas Eve, December 24, there are 5 services; 3, 3:30, 4:30, 5, 6 p.m. All the services are identical. We have children's programming for nursery and preschool. All elementary children and teens will take part in the services.
I look forward to seeing you, as well as someone you've invited this Christmas season. I can't guarantee you won't get a little wet, but I can say for the most part that a little rain never hurt anyone.
Merry Christmas,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Building Update

2010-12-19T17:53:00.001-08:00

An Invitation

2010-12-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

"Your R.S.V.P. is greatly appreciated!" We've all seen these 4 letters (R.S.V.P.) at the end of an invitation, but what do they mean?

Officially…these initials stand for the French phrase "repondez s'il vous plait" which means "please respond." This means that the host/hostess would like to know whether you plan to attend his/her party. And technically, when R.S.V.P. is written on a personal invitation, it isn't an optional request. It means you must inform the host/hostess whether or not you will attend.

Maybe it's me, but in So. Cal., does anyone actually respond to anything? Sure my wonderful bride does, but does anyone else? Come on, really! These days many seem to function with the idea that if something better comes up, I won’t be there, but if it doesn't, then you can certainly count on me for your gig. This "keep your options open" mentality wears at the very fabric of commitment.

Think of the very first Christmas when Mary was invited to be the mother of Jesus, what if she said to the angel, "Let me think about it; I'll have my people call your people."

God's been in the invitation business from the very beginning of time. In fact, this weekend we're kicking off a brand new series titled, "The Invitation." We can learn a whole lot from each person who was there that very first Christmas.

So consider this your personal invitation. I'm letting you off the hook, you don't need to R.S.V.P., but it would be great to see you and some of your friends this coming weekend at The Crossing.

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Henry and Joanne Majoue

2010-11-29T14:04:00.001-08:00

Henry & Joanne Majoue's Kairos testimony from The Crossing on Vimeo.

Giving Thanks…More Than A Day's Worth

2010-11-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one? If I counted the "number" of words that come out of my mouth on a given day or during the course of a week that fall in the category of whining, complaining, moaning, grumbling, muttering, bellyaching, or protesting, they unfortunately add up QUICKLY!

This week is Thanksgiving. Sadly, the day seems to be an afterthought to Black Friday and the rush to the Christmas season. Join me in turning the tide back toward GIVING THANKS! I have so much to be grateful for, specifically YOU! I get to pastor such a super church. My feelings are in line with the Apostle Paul's…

"I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly." Ephesians 1:16

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Philippians 1:3

"We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Thank you for your partnership in ministry and furthering the Good News of Jesus Christ. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, however, don't stop with only one day of giving thanks.

Thankful for you,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Latest building update

2010-11-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

Building Update 11_13_2010 from The Crossing on Vimeo.

Extra Sleep & Politicians

2010-11-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the cynicism level rises in me. Is that ever true of you? The elections were held yesterday. No matter your party affiliation, the thing you can always count on in any election are negative ads and constant chatter about change. Politicians are good at talking smack about change. However it’s just that, talk. It’s probably just my jaded viewpoint, but there doesn’t seem to be much action.

As Christ followers, many times we’re no different. We talk a good game, particularly when we’re caucusing with other Christians. Unfortunately our actions as believers are dubious at best or damaging at their worst. We don’t have the best track record. For the past couple of days I’ve been playing this game. I’ve begun each day imagining there’s a film crew recording my every move, each non-verbal, as well as everything uttered from my mouth. I’ve been picturing my day getting reviewed like the post game analysis on ESPN or Fox Sports.

Believe me, the commentary is quite humbling, particularly when it’s assessed in light of the grid of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self control... Regrettably there are vast portions of my day where I’m not exhibiting these traits or character qualities. How about you?

The series we’re tackling at the moment, Two Faced: Saying You’re a Believer, but Acting Like You’re Not, gets at the very heart of this issue. If you’d like to improve your game, then make it a point to be at The Crossing this weekend. Plus, DON’T FORGET, this weekend is Time Change Weekend, clocks FALL BACK!!! Set your clocks back on Saturday night before your head hits the pillow. The good news is for all you Sunday attenders, you get an extra hour of sleep! YEA!!

Seeking to live a God honoring life,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Plaza remodel

2010-10-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Plaza remodel from The Crossing on Vimeo.

Bring On The Brick

2010-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend, October 30 & 31, we will be bringing our bricks onto the stage of the new auditorium. If you were here during the summer series of 2009 on Nehemiah, you know what I’m referring to. If you weren’t here at that time, but you are in the game supporting the construction of the new auditorium, don’t worry we’ll have some more bricks for you!

You won't want to miss this weekend at The Crossing!

Service Times: Saturday @ 5:30pm and Sunday @ 8:30, 9, 10, 11, 11:30am

Possibly the hardest act of all, letting go

2010-10-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Generally there is that “one” person or maybe two, where the impact of their life, deeds and words has left a scar, possibly even a deep wound on yours. It doesn’t matter most times if the wrongful action or verbal assault took place a month or year or even years ago, the pain still surfaces at the thought of the transgression.

The relationship gone bad might have been with parents or family members or a business partnership or co-worker, maybe a marriage or a once deep bond of friendship severed. The possibilities of the kinds and types and sizes of haunting memories of hurtful stuff is endless. No illustration could ever describe every occurrence of pain.

Yet the reality is, all this time later, many of us still hold onto the hurt. In doing so, we subconsciously know it isn’t really going to help, but we do it anyway.

This weekend we continue our series, Two Faced: Saying You’re a Believer but Acting as Though You’re Not. This is a CAN’T MISS weekend. I say that often don’t I, but this one truly is! Why? Because the topic hits us all. See here’s the deal. We are going to unpack the rough reality of letting the grudge go and stepping into the realm of forgiveness. Make plans now to attend! Invite someone to come with you.

You know me, I shoot straight. So I’ll tell you ahead of time, it will be good, but what you’ll hear might not be nice!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P. S. NEXT weekend at The Crossing (October 30/31), we will be bringing our bricks onto the stage of the new auditorium. If you were here during the summer series of 2009 on Nehemiah, you know what I’m referring to. If you weren’t here at that time, but you are in the game supporting the construction of the new auditorium, don’t worry we’ll have some more bricks for you!

What is the deal with the rain?

2010-10-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

It never rains in Southern California! Never, ever in October! Yeah, right? Bad advertising, I guess.

Sometimes people who call themselves Christians are bad advertisements too! We look pretty good on Sunday, but act in an entirely different way Monday through Saturday. Out of the same mouth we use to praise God, sometimes flows curses of the most foul kind. Often we say we “believe”, but then we act as though we don’t.

It’s that kind of hypocrisy that kept me away from even wanting to consider being a Christian. Now I find myself behaving the very way I used to find abhorrent. The name badge I wear at times could be Two Faced Timmie. Believe me, that’s not a good place to be.

Join me this weekend as we kick off a new series titled, Two Faced: Saying You’re a Believer but Acting Like You’re Not. Let’s wrestle with this issue together. With God’s help, I believe we can come out the winner.

In fact this is such an important topic, I want to encourage you to invite someone to come with you, churched or not it doesn’t matter. This is something we ALL fight against.

Our service times are Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 8:30, 9:30, 10:00, 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. We have Children’s programming, nursery through 5th grade at all service times. Our Junior High services are at 5:30 p.m. Saturday night & 10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Sunday morning. High School service times are 10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Please put your “patient” hat on this weekend and over the weekends ahead as you step on the campus of The Crossing. We’re excited because the construction has made its way into the plaza area. In fact, an outdoor baptismal fountain will be located where the coffee used to be. These are terrific times! Lives are being changed for Jesus. Yea God!!!

Another Story from The Crossing...

2010-09-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Did we ever experience summer?

2010-09-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

Labor Day is that mythical “line in the sand” when the summer season ceases and fall begins. However, there was what...maybe 5 days where it FELT like summer.

Of course for most of you, it’s been a couple of years since you last frequented a school classroom, so summer is more a state of mind. In fact, take it from this transplanted, Midwestern-raised boy, most EVERYDAY feels like summer in So. Cal. Life is SO good here! I mean, none of us have to suffer under extreme humidity or slap at mosquitoes that have homing systems better than any fighter jet.

My summer was great. Not as much Harley riding or sailboating as I would have hoped, but I did have the opportunity to visit nearly 15 churches in Orange County. Given my position and normal weekend responsibilities, visiting other churches isn’t something easily achieved.

However, this summer I made it a point to see the most excellent manner of how God is moving in our area. I’ve come away from these weekend glimpses so appreciative for the uniqueness of styles and methods expressed from church to church. God is ALIVE!

I also came away from these experiences excited that I get to serve and pastor a truly AWESOME church. It is so true that there is no one right way to do church AND it takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. Therefore, I’m thankful for the multiple houses of worship in our county, but I’m exceedingly grateful for THIS house of worship at The Crossing.

We ALL are a very special people with a unique call as a church! I THANK GOD for YOU!!! I look forward to sharing God’s word with you this weekend as we continue our series, Unstoppable!

Can’t wait to see you,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

2010-09-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Building Update 9/4/2010 from The Crossing on Vimeo.

Everyone has a Story...

2010-08-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Party Crashers

2010-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

It was all the rage! Everyone was talking about it; CNN, MSNBC, FOX, CSPAN, the Nightly News, as well as, Newsweek, Time and U.S. News & World Report. A White House Staffer eventually ended up losing their job over it. Do you remember it? November 2009...

A husband and wife “CRASHED” a party at the White House!

Seems that somehow they were able, in an unstoppable fashion, to mischievously and sneakily make their way past the Secret Service and the security clearance mechanisms to end up shaking hands with and even pausing for glam photographs with the President of the United States of America. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was a scripted plot from a TV reality show or lifted right from the big screen of a Hollywood production.

What was so intriguing was, how could it have happened? They went unnoticed, at least at the time! They dined with the elite. Their brazen party crashing plans were pulled off without a hitch. Wow! We’ve heard of wedding crashers, but presidential party crashing, that just doesn’t happen!

Here’s the deal...get to The Crossing this weekend. It’s a must!

See in Luke 7:36 and the following verses, there was this party. Only the “A” listers were invited...a Prophet and high level Pharisees...as far as I know CNN, Fox News, MSNBC were not there, possibly the Jerusalem News Channel. When all of a sudden something odd, no something revolting, happened...an UNSTOPPABLE & probable prostitute crashed the party, but unlike the presidential party crashers, she didn’t go unnoticed.

Yet like the presidential party crashers, this woman would NOT BE STOPPED! You’ve got to hear the rest of the story, it’s better than anything you could watch on the Nightly News or read in any blog or major news publication. I look forward to seeing you this weekend at The Crossing as we kick off a new series, Unstoppable!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Everyone Has A Story...

2010-08-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

August Building Update

2010-08-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

What tempts you?

2010-07-28T09:15:00.001-07:00

The online dictionary defines “tempt” as, “to entice to do wrong by the promise of pleasure or gain” or “to allure, invite or attract.” Right about now I’m wondering what is it that allures, invites or attracts you? I’m pretty sure most know their Top Ten!

Listen up, temptation is not wrong! We confuse temptation and wrong-doing. We’re ALL tempted by something. Jesus knew we would be. He even taught us that part of the communication process with Him should be sharing those areas where we’re tempted. He said, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

The times are too numerous to count when I’ve begun my day with a solid time of prayer...praise-filled, probing, confessional, reflective prayer. On those days when I’ve paused long enough and been disciplined enough to mentally go through the moments of my upcoming day, it’s as if the Spirit of God reveals to me some of the potential trigger points or destructive landmines.

Often while in prayer, there’s a clarity of the places and settings, coupled with the moods and emotions of when and where I’m prone to fall for temptation. Getting that stuff out in the open with God, over prayer, helps!

I wish I could say I bat a thousand in the realm of not falling for temptation, but I can’t. However, Jesus knows me and He knows my heart. He knew I’d need to make this “temptation” stuff a part of the discussion process with Him.

So, if you’ve ever been tempted, allured, attracted, THIS WEEKEND is for you (it’s also for me). Don’t miss out! In fact, invite someone else to come with you. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ words, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Hurry and sign up for the Global Leadership Summit on August 5th & 6th, this is the LAST week. More people than ever from The Crossing are attending!!! There are 9 more spaces at our special $75 rate, then the price goes up to $105. The password to get our discounted rate is TEAM2010S.

Traffic, OC Fair, Sunshine & Freedom

2010-07-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend promises to be a can’t miss weekend at The Crossing, but I wanted to make sure you’re prepared for the traffic. This is shaping up to be the first real “beach” weekend of the summer (the sun has finally come out) AND this is the first weekend of the Orange County Fair. So, the 55 freeway just might be backed up to Fair Drive :-).

Hey, I know everyone is different, but I like a clean house, clean carpet, clean counters, clean floors, clean car, clean motorcycle, a clean desk. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not obsessive about it. All those things I listed, they’re not always spotless, but I do like things clean. I’ve even been called Mr. Clean. I think it’s more a result of my shaved head though, at least I hope so.

There’s something freeing about seeing something that was chaotic, messy, dirty, or garbage-filled and then, as the result of some effort or energy applied, it gets rearranged, renewed, or refreshed all because someone took the time to clean.

Often, as a result of the stupid things we do, lies we tell, sin we commit, or impurity we allow, our lives get messy. Yet we do our best to cover it up so we think no one sees it. I mean, it’s not like a sink full of dirty dishes or a carpet much in need of vacuuming or a garbage can that is overflowing. Those items are pretty easily seen. But when it comes to life, we do our very best not to let anyone see our mess.

But that’s NO WAY to live; GUILT piles up, SHAME is strewn everywhere, it’s time to clean house. So I’m telling you, don’t miss this weekend!

Together, we’re going to do a little personal house cleaning. I will be continuing the series, Our Father, looking at the phrase, “forgive us our trespasses...” So get here this weekend ready to let God do some rearranging!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Give us this day our...

2010-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Many of you, whether you have any sort of religious background or not could finish the phrase, “Give us this day our ___________ .” I figure most would insert the words “daily bread.” Some of us have prayed using those exact words time and time again. What’s exciting is that God desires to involve Himself in our daily affairs!

This weekend, we will continue in our series, Our Father. We’ll be discovering more and more of just how GREAT God is...as we look at the phrase, “Give us this day our daily bread...” Invite someone else to come with you or meet you at The Crossing. It has been awesome to invite people to this series because The Lord’s Prayer is known to so many people. This WILL be a great weekend on a particularly relevant topic on how and when God provides. Don’t miss it!!!

Last weekend was HUGE! We had a guest speaker by video, Craig Groeshel of Lifechurch. The many comments were incredibly positive. Thanks! The talk Craig gave was from last year’s Global Leadership Summit. I want to invite you to attend this year’s Global Leadership Summit. It will take place Thursday, August 5th and Friday, August 6th on the campus of The Crossing. The quality and caliber of this year's speaker lineup is top notch; including Tony Dungy, Zhao Xiao, Jim Collins,Jack Welch, and many more. This is the kind of thing you’d pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to attend in the marketplace.

However, for all who attend The Crossing, our rate is ONLY $75 for two full days of learning, growth and personal development. In fact, the first 125 people who sign up will receive a $10 gift card for Café Rio as well as a free book titled, One Month to Live. Last weekend over 50 people signed up on the spot! You can sign up online with this link and by using the password TEAM2010S. You will not be disappointed in attending the Global Leadership Summit.

I hope you had a great 4th of July! Thanks for being a part of The Crossing,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Loving 4th of July weekend!

2010-06-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed fireworks. I still stand in amazement and find myself “oohing” and “aahing” every time I see a fireworks show, no matter the location. The first place we lived when we moved to So. Cal., we could watch the fireworks at Disneyland from our apartment balcony. This even led me to purchase season passes through the years to Disneyland so I can revel in the awesome pyrotechnical display. I’ve even been known to buy tickets to Angels baseball on Friday nights just to enjoy the night-ending fireworks display.

If you live in Costa Mesa, you can still legally purchase and set off “safe and sane” fireworks. It’s where I live, so more than likely I’ll be in front of my house or someone else’s, lighting up the Sunday night sky.

In fact, if you’re buying fireworks this year, I want to encourage you to purchase them at the campus of The Crossing. The fireworks booth will be open from Thursday, July 1st – Sunday, July 4th from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. All the proceeds go to the Maple Learning Center. The Learning Center encourages kids on the Westside of Costa Mesa in their academics. So it’s a great deal...you get to have a “blast” and kids will be encouraged!!!

Plus we’ve got some exciting stuff for you this weekend at The Crossing. You do not want to miss out!

Enjoy the holiday weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

It's time to Party!

2010-06-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are three weeks into the new series, “Our Father” and it’s a real hit! The topic of prayer is hitting all time rave reviews. From what I’m hearing, many of you are communicating with God more than ever before, which is AWESOME! Do not miss this coming weekend; we’ll be looking at the phrase, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...”

On another high note, make sure you come to the beach this Sunday afternoon, June 27th at Corona del Mar State Beach at 4 p.m. We are having our Annual Beach Baptisms! This is one truly prolific event...and it’s not because of the weather, but the weather is always amazing. It’s not because of the food, even though there will be some. This day is ALL about altered lives for Jesus!

All kinds of exciting events take place throughout the year at The Crossing. We remember Jesus’ birth on Christmas, His death on Good Friday and Jesus’ rising from the dead on Easter. These services, rightfully so, direct people to the “heart” of the matter, which is that Jesus came to transform lives both now and for ALL eternity! Yet this Sunday afternoon’s event at 4 p.m. is one of our annual favorites!

Why? Because this Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., we get to rejoice at the supernatural movement of God’s Holy Spirit in the lives of well OVER 100 people; boys, girls, men and women! So, let’s ALL come to the beach ready to party God’s style...as we take JOY in seeing the fruit of CHANGED lives in Jesus’ name!

I can’t wait to see you this weekend at church and at the beach!!!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Most impressed, part 2

2010-06-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

God is doing something. Care is being provided. Lives are being changed. Watch the video of how two children's lives have been cared for AND then read one man's story of how gripped his heart to provide such care...his name is J. Michael Declues.

He is a part of The Crossing and The Crossing Uganda Impact Team. He accompanied me on this trip to Uganda. He wanted me to see that there is a difference being made in the lives of Double Orphans through Mosaic Vision.

My prayer is God will grip your heart and you'll want to do the same!!! See you this weekend at The Crossing as we begin a new series on the Our Father, the Lord's Prayer.

Blessings,

Tim Celek

Hello everyone, my name is J. Michael Declues and in 2007 I went on my first mission trip to Rukungiri, Uganda with seven other travelers from The Crossing. We were led and guided by Micah and Shannon Irvine of Mosaic Vision.

Their ministry was to support and show the love of Jesus to the most deprived orphans of the region. These were the double orphans or child-headed homes---children who had lost both parents and their close relatives to HIV AIDS.

We visited the dwellings of these children, and their conditions were so inhumane and deplorable, that I was filled with mixed emotions of brokenness, frustration and anger.

On the second day, we visited the home of Daniel and Dorcus. They were the first double orphans to be assisted by Mosaic Vision and the difference compared to the other children was astonishing. They were bright and hopeful about the future and their living conditions were decent and healthy.

Dorcus is positive for HIV and very shy and sweet. Daniel was exuberant and spoke of his love for Mosaic Vision and how they had rescued him and his sister from a sure death. His love and trust in Jesus reflected in his eyes and in his words.

When he discovered that I was an attorney, his smile got even brighter since that was his dream career goal. We had a meaningful discussion about the Law and the impact that good attorneys can have in uplifting Uganda.

I discovered that Daniel and Dorcus did not have sponsors, which is critical for maintaining their support for a decent home, healthcare, food and school fees.

There was no way I could live and permit these two wonderful children to ever deteriorate back to their former impoverished and hopeless lives. Sponsoring them was one of the best decisions of my life.

Being able to visit and interact with them for the last four years in Rukungiri is an immeasurable blessing. Our love and commitment to each other is for an eternity!

Thanks for reading,

J. Michael Declues

Excited about the new series, Our Father, the Lord's Prayer

2010-06-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Many people know it. Some, like me, said it before sporting events. Some churches say it out loud every weekend. What is it? At times it’s called the Lord’s Prayer. Others often refer to it as the "Our Father". Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 said, “This then is how you should pray...”

‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

It’s pretty exciting, really...Jesus gave us a pattern for prayer. Think of it, the one who regularly spent time communicating with his Father. The one who has the power to answer our prayers. It is he who gave us a pattern for prayer.

So I’m stoked to start a new series this weekend. I can’t wait to see YOU. Make sure you invite someone! Someone who needs to pray. Someone who needs prayer. Someone looking for answers to their prayers. This series is guaranteed to have immediate impact.

As you get time, please pray for me. I make my way back from Uganda this week. What God has allowed me to experience, I’ll not soon forget. In fact, check out a bit of what God’s done in me and in Africa. In each country I’ve visited this year, it’s always been a bitter sweet departure. However, I am very much looking forward to re-uniting with my family and our church.

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

We MUST never forget!

2010-06-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

"This photo looks like nothing more than slabs of cement, sort of patio-esque, but it is so much MORE! This is a photo of where I was today. It is a "mass" grave where the remains of over 250,000 people are buried.

It was only a few days ago, that we in the US celebrated Memorial Day. Unfortunately, these days many only see it as a day off from work. A day to clean, head to the beach, BBQ or simply hang around one's home. But Memorial Day is SO much more than that, it's a day we honor those who have given lives and shed blood.

There is another very important Memorial Day, April 7. It happens to take place in the country where I'm writing this at the present time, Rwanda. It is a day to remember the over 1 MILLION, men, women, boys and girls who were slaughtered through systematic genocide.

These are just a few...may we NEVER forget them!!!

Bernadine, hacked to death by machete
Francine, hacked to death by machete
Fabrice, clubbed to death
Ariane, stabbed in the eyes & head
David, tortured to death
Chanelle, hacked to death by machete
Fidele, shot in the head
Irene, grenade thrown in while taking a shower
Patrick, hacked to death by machete
Aurore, burnt alive
Hubert, shot to death
Fabrice, killed in a church
Yvonne, hacked to death by machete
Fillet, smashed to death against a wall
Thiery, hacked to death by machete

I should tell you, that these names were real human beings who matter to God. In fact, they were all children between the ages of 4 to 13. 1 million people died and the world did NOTHING!

But the church in Rwanda, now, is doing something; collectively they are repenting. A pastor, by the name of Eugene shared with me this scripture, as well as the story of Nehemiah.

He said, the entire Church in Rwanda has come together and said, "I'm sorry!" to God. I told him many had nothing to do with the atrocities that took place, but he said, "in reality we did...so we've gotten on our knees and repented. As a result God has been healing our land."

Eugene said, "We are believing in 2 Chronicles 7:14...'Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.'"

Restore, indeed! The positive change in this country is staggering! Many attribute it to the mighty power of God's hand. Quite possibly, we, in the US could learn a thing or two from our Rwandan Christian friends.

There have been atrocities that have taken place and continue to take place on our soil. Hate and disdain leveled against women, children, African Americans, Hispanics, Japanese, etc., etc. and maybe, just maybe, God wants us to get on our knees and humble our prideful selves before he will heal our land.

Just a thought...one, I'm not sure we should ever forget!

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Part 2 of Most Impressed coming tomorrow...check back

ALL on their own

2010-05-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

“You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so their people can no longer terrify them.” Psalm 10:18

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress…” James 1:27

Why these verses? I’ll let you know in just a bit…

Well…at the end of a spectacular day where I literally jerked from side to side and bounced up and down as our rickety mini-van sped and slowed across roads consisting of dirt, gravel, rocks and at times only grass.

Where I traipsed through narrow “feet” only trails of banana plantations etched into the side of steep hills. Where I gingerly walked along goat and cow paths carved by animals used to traveling in this precarious manner.

There were times I felt as if I were a character actor in the movie, Sound of Music, because these hills were truly alive, not with music, but with LIFE!

At the end of every one of these paths, lanes, trails and passageways were the MOST precious of all gifts, children. However, these weren’t just “any” children. This day, I had the extreme privilege of being an honored guest in the homes of these very unique, very special God made gifts.

Yet, many wouldn’t generally see them as such, you see, often they’re referred to as Double Orphans or Child Headed homes. It was humbling, really, as children extended me, the adult, hospitality. These kids ranged in age from 6 to 22.

Most of us in the US, and in particular in the sheltered confines of Southern California, are clueless that over the past 10 years, in this one African country of Uganda, all as a result of HIV Aids, TWO million Ugandans have died.

Yet, here’s the story that often goes untold, because of the destruction of AIDS, 1.8 million children are orphans TODAY!!! 1.8 million in Uganda, alone!

Today, it was these kids who loved on me. So to say that today was an emotional day would be a complete and TOTAL understatement.

Think about it, where we live, if someone can get past the gate and ring the doorbell of a house, apartment or condo and a child would be allowed to answer the door, one would immediately ask, “Can I speak to your mom or your dad?”

Today, I visited kids who’d say, “You’re speaking to him. You’re speaking to her.” Ponder the reality, it was these kids who buried their moms AND their dads.

Therefore, most have no one left to care for them. So they don’t go to school like other kids and even if they did, how would you like to be the kid without a mom AND dad; where everyday is a reminder that you’re going home to nobody and they’re all going home to somebody!

Not to mention, they now, no matter the age, are left to clean, repair, cook, farm, barter, learn, cry, etc., ALL on their own. ON THEIR OWN! Do not read on, don’t you dare, until you reflect on those 3 words (I’m not too proud to admit that I’m crying as I type)!!!

As I reflect on those three words…the implications are staggering. Men in the village break into their homes & rape little girls because there is NO ONE to protect them. Their house structures degrade rapidly because there is NO ONE to fix them. The grasses and bushes quickly become overgrown because there is NO ONE to cut them.

Fields go unfarmed, so no crops produce and then no food to eat, because there is NO ONE to tend to them…the list of atrocities goes on; children are taken, sold into sex slavery, because NO ONE to defend them. Studies aren’t maintained because there is NO ONE to encourage them…

You have a choice, make your own list or stay in your bubble. I let God burst my bubble this day…emotionally it hurt and spiritually it hurt…

I’ll end this for now…come back, tomorrow, for part 2…because there is HOPE being spread and a light more than flickering in the midst of this darkness.

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

What a welcome!

2010-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Emotional and Heart-filled Greetings

2010-05-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

At every turn and in every country God ambushes and surprises me. In El Salvador, it was the time invested in me through Pastor Miguel. In India, it was the heart tugging and overwhelming sights and even smells of the India Slum. In Vietnam, it was a Father’s eyes and then moms and babies at the Father’s House.

After only one very full day in Rukungiri, Uganda, it has been the very emotional and heart-filled greetings.

Today, I found myself with tears running down my cheeks, as Ugandan women and little preschool children from a Compassion International Child Survival Program center ran with abandon while singing and clapping as they rushed to greet us.

After being in India with Compassion International, I was expecting a greeting, but not at all like this. You can watch it here. The joy, happiness, and smiles, on the faces of these women as they sang and danced, as little toddlers clapped…okay, it wrecked me!

The Child Survival Program (CSP) overseen by Compassion International, the church in this area of Rukungiri AND supported by dollars from our church, The Crossing, is making a substantive difference in the lives of women and children.

While hard to communicate the entire scope of the CSP in a single sentence…the baby training and life skills given to a woman who is about to give birth and the resulting follow up oversight from the CSP staff as the baby is born, then nurtured thru their preschool years, is meticulous, rigorous, and definitive.

The partnership between the Rukungiri Compassion International staff and the North Kigezi Diocese of the Anglican church and The Crossing Church ROCKS!

Women’s lives are being changed! The lives of little ones are being famously nurtured and all this, while unashamedly communicating the powerful message that Jesus reigns, transforms and saves. Yeah God!

Thanks for reading. Please, keep praying, I have a feeling I’m in store for SO much more,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

On our way to Uganda

2010-05-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

After 3 pretty long flights, it was nice to finally get a good night of sleep. We were up early and are now on our way to Uganda. Thanks for all your prayers! My prayer for you is that you realize the blessing and promises of Psalm 146 for your life this day.

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Pride goes before...a forgotten bag

2010-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to traveling, I don’t just like EVERYTHING to be just “so,” I WANT everything to be just “so”!

Oh, I do my research on..hotels & hostels, plane makes and models, airport wi-fi free or paid, how to avoid jet lag and diarrhea, as well as how to find exit row and power plug seats, etc., etc., cause I know what I WANT. I have a plan!

I pride myself on knowing what I WANT...I will even tell travel agents, flight attendants, gate attendants, airport guides, hotel desk staff, trip planners, etc., what I WANT and when I WANT it. I tell myself, it’s a good thing to know what you WANT. However, if you’ve ever encountered anyone like me, someone who knows what they want and is even a bit smug in conveying that they know what they want, THEREFORE you should want it for me too.

My kind of “wanting” can come across as...finicky or fussy, picky, persnickety or particular, difficult or demanding, basically...Jerk with a capital “J”.

How do I know? Cause no matter the city, country or language, I see it written on their faces and their bodies when they interact with me.

Why am I telling you this, cause for whatever reason, God allowed me to see the ugliness of ME and the graciousness of others, just in the first 24 hours of this trip to Africa!

I’ll try to make it quick, basically our first plane out of LAX had problems so it couldn’t fly. I knew it would mean re-booking all the flights to Africa. Cause I checked on my phone’s internet connection, so I had a plan...be first in line, don’t go to the customer service center like everyone else, just stay at the gate...the plan worked.

We got our new flights, we even got our bags off of that initial flight, I got the seat “I” wanted (I was nice & I made sure J. Michael got one, too) and we were out of there “before” everyone else. I was feeling good (smug).

However, pride goes before the...well, you know...the fall.

We get to London Heathrow, great flight, great seats, great power port...disembark, get on the bus to the next terminal, through security, and then (I hate, “and then’s”), we realized the gate agent in LA didn’t provide the proper ticketing. I was a bit miffed at the new airline agent, “just get it done here,” I don’t want to go back on the bus, through security, to another gate agent, but to no avail...

So back to the previous terminal, get the right papers AND then, again, back on the bus through security to where we were told our tickets were no good, meanwhile, 1 1/2 hours has gone by. I gave the same woman the new papers and as I did, I asked if I could have this certain seat, etc., etc.,

She said in a terse voice (I know she was feeling the affects of my attitude previously), “Sir, we’ll take care of that later, now your bag check tickets, please.” I said back with planned pride, “I didn’t check any baggage, I’m carrying it on...” (Cause, remember, I know what I want and don’t want some dummie to mishandle my luggage and not have it show up in Africa).

And as soon as I said, “I’m carrying it on...” I realized with ABSOLUTE horror, that I left MY rolling bag on the flippin plane (I...me...on the plane and that was 1 1/2 hours ago). So I sheepishly said in a controlled creaking voice, “Ma’am, I believe I left my bag on the plane...what do I do now?”

I fully expected her to say, “You, Mr. Perfect. Mr. Planner. Mr. you know what you want man, YOUUUU want to know what to do now? Well, your bag can rot in...” But she didn’t, she was so gracious. She immediately picked up the phone, called the other airlines.

Sure it meant another trip on the bus to the other terminal AND it meant coming back her way (3rd time) with my bag HUMBLY in tow! But as I passed by her desk, her smile and greeting said it all, “Sir, did you get your bag?” I responded, “Yes, Ma’am.” To which she said, “I’m so glad. I hope the rest of your trip is splendid.” (She really meant it, I could tell)

Soooo, all in roughly 24 hours God allowed me to see the ugly parts of me and the graciousness in others!

I know there was not much Fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control” on display. But, thanks be to our Lord, I can humbly say a lesson was experienced.

So prayerfully, during the rest of the trip, it’ll be less of me and what I want and more about others.

Hey, thanks for reading. Thanks for praying!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Headed to Uganda!

2010-05-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! Doors are WIDE open, Colossians 4:3 is happening right before our eyes. For 22 years at The Crossing, we’ve seen God open so many doors. This weekend was HUGE! Tons of you wrote on the “walls” names of people who you desire to see changed through the incredible power of Jesus Christ. It was pretty awesome!!!

Hey, would you pray for me, I’ll be heading to Uganda this week, Rukungiri, Uganda to be specific. I’m traveling with one of our volunteer leaders, J. Michael Declues. His heart is HUGE for the people of Uganda. Check out thecrossing.com everyday or our blog. I’ll be posting updates as I have internet connections. I hope to send back pictures, videos and written updates of what I’m seeing, the people I’m meeting and the experiences I’m having. God is moving in a BIG way all throughout Uganda.

I’ll be seeing our ministry partners in action, Mosaic Vision, Compassion International and the North Kigezi Dioceses. God has allowed me to see and experience SO much over this year. I will not soon forget the sights, sounds, and people of El Salvador, India and Vietnam.

Now Uganda...so pray, will you?

Thanks,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. This weekend we talked about 3 crucial components for our church in the next 6 to 9 months as we prepare to move in to the completed Phase 1 of our construction. First: We all begin to pray for 3 people, who in the months ahead we’ll be inviting and bringing to church. Second: We all give a percentage of our financial resources to our church, each of us seeking to move toward the full tithe. Third: We all pray for our church, The Crossing, 30 seconds a day, everyday. 3 simple, yet profound, ways we can partner with God’s Spirit as He keeps opening doors!!!

Pastor Tim & J. Michael Declues heading to Uganda

2010-05-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sitting at LAX at Chili's restaurant...I'm watching J. Michael eat his pancakes with plastic utensils, I guess they don't want us attacking the waiters. A BIG shout out to all those who came and prayed for us this morning before we headed to the airport. Thank you!

You MUST watch this video. This is J. Michael, he's part of The Crossing Uganda impact team. He's been to Uganda 3 times. He loves the people of Uganda. He sponsors Compassion International kids there. Hear him as he shares his excitement in seeing them again!

Be praying for us!!!

Nursing homes, Mother’s Day, and Restaurants...

2010-05-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Nursing homes, Mother’s Day and Restaurants...what in the world do those three things have in common?

Well, I hear next to New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day ranks third as the largest turn out for restaurants. One person said, “It’s a way to honor mom, give her a break and get her out of the house...”

Personally, I’ve been thinking a ton about Mother’s Day this year. Just this past week, my mom was put into a nursing care facility. Her legs just stopped functioning and even with all the strength that my dad has, he just couldn’t give her the care she needs.

Mom has always been the stalwart. Even as her body has aged and her gait slowed, she’s had a way of persistently keeping on. In my mind, I keep thinking this “change” can’t feel good for either her or dad. Sure they’ve weathered numerous “changes” over their fifty plus years of marriage, but this one has to have rocked their world. I’ve felt the tremors and I’m 3,000 miles away.

Everyone always says, “Change is inevitable!” And I would agree, but when it hits home and hits your mom, it’s not always easy.

This Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th & 9th, Sue and I will be speaking at The Crossing at ALL 6 weekend services (Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30, 9:30, 10, 11, & 11:30 a.m.) regarding “Change!” I’m excited that I get to share the platform with my best friend and my babe. Do not miss it. We are looking forward to sharing this weekend with you!

This Mother’s Day, I wish I could give my mom a break, honor her and get her out of her situation. Seems trite, but I’d even take her to a restaurant; I think she’d even like it.

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P. S. There are two nights left to do a Building Walk Thru on the campus of The Crossing, Wednesday, May 5th and Thursday, May 6th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Sign up here.

Difficult People

2010-04-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have been accused from time to time of being a “difficult” person. I know it’s probably hard for you to believe, right? After all, my middle name is Tim “Huggable” Celek, well maybe not :-).

This weekend is a CAN’T miss weekend! The topic is “Dealing with Difficult People.” Be here! In fact, invite people in your workplace, invite those in your friendship circles because this weekend promises to be REALLY good. Together we will learn how you work with, live with, or relate to someone who can be “difficult” from time to time.

Also, please take note, this weekend is the Orange County Marathon and many of the streets surrounding The Crossing are highly impacted. Therefore, give yourself PLENTY of time to get to church this weekend. Your advanced planning will allow you to come relaxed instead of frustrated and uptight.

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Need some Fuel? by Patrick Detken

2010-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Crossing Family!

As we kick off our SPRING season we are so excited about the classes, retreats and groups available. Our mission is to foster spiritual environments and foster spiritual growth. And we believe each of these environments will rock your world and draw you closer to God!

FUEL classes begin on Tuesday, May 11th: FUEL registration
• 6:30-8pm at The Crossing for 5 Tuesdays.
• Classes include discussions about the book, practical skills, biblical understanding and opportunities to learn from one another. (Book is not included in cost and can be purchased on the weekend)
• Childcare is available but must rsvp. ($5 a night)
• $10 for the class and 6 classes to choose from, descriptions below.

 Parenting - How do you teach your children about spiritual topics including spiritual disciplines? Taught by Jaime and Rebecca Huff and discussing the book Habits of a Child’s Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines by Valerie E. Hess and Marti Watson Garlett

 Women – When was the last time you stopped and thought about the fact that you are not your own but you are a personal treasure of the Almighty? Taught by Cyndi Clark and discussing the book DEEPER; Living in the Reality of God's Love by Debbie Alsdorf

 Couples – How do you build a Godly marriage? Taught by Patrick Detken and discussing the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

 Men – How do you become a spiritual warrior in the workplace, in a home or as a parent? Taught by Randy Moraitis and discussing the book Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby

 Fatherhood – How do you leave a legacy for your kids as a dad and what are the pitfalls along this amazing journey? Taught by Jim Schwarz and Randy Clark

 Singles – What’s the difference between courting and dating from God’s perspective? Taught by Patrick Detken and Vicki Holland discussing the book Choosing Gods Best by Don Raunikar (This class begins May 27th for 5 Thursdays)

Marriage Retreat (April 30th 6:30pm – May 2nd noon) Final week to sign up!
Need a time to recharge with your spouse? Need some time to laugh together and learn together? Need God’s perspective in your relationship? This year’s theme is ‘Transforming Intimacy’ where we will look at what intimacy is in the context of marriage. Dr. Bill Dogterom will teach on God’s perspective and give us great tools on strengthening our marriages. There will be tons of time with your spouse, time to laugh and enjoy some much needed time together. Ever thought about being baptized together or renewing your vows? We’ll even have some time for that as an option and a Saturday night dance! Not sure you can afford it? There are 3 different packages. $350 for the entire weekend OR $215 includes entire weekend but only one night lodging (Enter 1 Day on the Promo code) OR $100 (Enter Speaker Only on the Promo code) includes the entire weekend programming but excludes lodging and food. Retreat location: Radisson Hotel Newport Beach

Solid Rock Retreat (May 21st – My 23rd)
Ever wanted to learn God’s perspective on dating or find a community that understands what you are going through in your life? Need some fun, friends and a time to laugh? Need some rest and time alone with God? Come to this year’s Solid Rock Retreat in Murrieta Hot Springs will give you just that! Cost is $180 for entire weekend, lodging and meals.
Click here to sign up for Couple's Retreat or the Singles Retreat

Small Groups
We have new community groups that meet in homes studying various books of the Bible or other topical studies for men, women and couples. There is a place for YOU! All you have to do is go online to find the best group for YOU and get connected. More information on small groups: Click Here

In His Hands,
Patrick Detken
Pastor of Grow Ministries

Newport Pizza Man and wife love on kids all the way in Vietnam

2010-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I can’t really remember the first time I met Robert Kalatschan, my host while in Vietnam. It may have been in his restaurant, Original Pizza, down near the Newport Pier or it might have been in the small group I led a few years back. But I do remember the circumstances surrounding one of those first interactions.

See, I love to memorize the word of God. There are a number of scriptures I feel are foundational for a believer. I won’t share those particular scriptures at this time, however, what I do remember is Robert “complaining” with a capital “C”...maybe more like whining :-). I think he said, “I can’t do it. I can’t memorize. I don’t understand why we have to do this, etc., etc., etc....” It took me aback...

Yet over the next weeks, the REAL character of this man was on display. He ALWAYS came with them memorized. He knew them word for word. His discipline and his determination drew me in...relationally. Personally, I get energized by someone who is willing to go ALL OUT...even though it may be hard or difficult or challenging, but they give it their ALL.

Over the course of that year in that small group, I learned that Robert is one of those kinds of people and I love that about Robert.

Well, following that group, not necessarily because of that group, God ambushed Robert and his wife, Dorothea, following the adoption of their second Vietnamese child, Christina. I use the word ambushed intentionally because Robert and Dorothea strongly feel the tug of God’s Spirit on their lives. Christina, through adoption, found a “way” out, but what about the kids left behind?

All because of paying attention to God’s tap on their shoulders, Robert and Dorothea founded Giving It Back To Kids, an organization that is strategically, relationally and lovingly caring for the kids in Vietnam who are “left behind.”

The good news is that the same determination, discipline and focus that Robert applied to hiding God’s Word in his heart years ago in that small group, he applies to the kids and people of Vietnam. I can’t thank Robert enough for hanging out with me for these past 10 days. Also, a BIG thanks goes out to Dorothea, Tommy and Christina for allowing me to monopolize their dad/husband’s time while they were off for Easter break!

Make sure you watch the video of Robert sharing his heart for the kids of Vietnam!!!

See you this weekend at The Crossing...thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Our Vietnamese partner, Pastor Vu...training to transform

2010-04-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Good relationships take effort, time, energy, and communication. You know the drill. You’ve been there. And then try relating to someone from another culture and language, it takes everything previously said and then some...it’s like relationship on steroids.

These relationships can be highly challenging or incredibly frustrating, but I like to view them as supernaturally invigorating. I love meeting people from other cultures. I get energized hearing and watching them speak. I just enjoy learning about people.

The way I see it, ALL people matter to God. And heaven is going to be a WONDERFUL place, because at that time, EVERY tribe, tongue, and nation will be represented...all worshipping our Mighty God.

I felt highly privileged to be able to spend time with multiple numbers of Vietnamese men and women over the 10 days I was there. I totally engaged in a powerful way with one person in particular, a Christian leader named Vu. We spent time just riding on scooters in and around Saigon. When we’d stop, I had the opportunity to hear his story, an amazing one for sure! I was also able to get a sense of his heart for God and his love for the people of his country.

I hope you take the time to watch this video, it’s brief, but you get a sense of this man of God through his language, his eyes!

With as much as the time in Vietnam has been spectacular, I really look forward to seeing you this weekend at The Crossing!

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Reflections...God IS at work in Vietnam

2010-04-12T02:41:00.000-07:00

It's Monday in Saigon...and for whatever, reason, I woke up to the slogan, "Good morning Vietnam." And it is a GOOD morning...over the past two days, I felt like I got to experience first hand what the people experience. I logged about 7 hours riding a scooter all over Saigon, this photo has someone on the back but 99% of the time, it was just me. Fun stuff...

Anyway, as I sit and look out my hotel window, seeing, hearing, watching, listening to the movement and buzz of Vietnam, I'm realizing just how much ground I've covered over the past 9 days.

In many ways it feels like a month ago when I landed at Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) International Airport, yet in reality it's only been a few days. These trips, El Salvador, India and now, Vietnam, have very little down time. So the space to think and reflect is appreciated and needed.

As I've gone back over all the photos and video, I've taken, it's astonishing to think about all my eyes, mind, heart and emotions have taken in over these days. People often ask, when I return, "Tim, what was your favorite part of the trip?"

And again, I'd have to say, the people! Yet, it's not just a face or a name, it's ALWAYS so much more than that...it's the culture, the interactions, the laughter, the van rides, the prayers, the singing, the honking, the tears, the joy, the questions, the irritations, the caring, the eating...all this and so much more is embodied in the people.

Sometimes, I get irritated, cause we United States folks, think that somehow God smiles on us and we get to thinking that we're all that and then some. We can be prideful and arrogant...believing that God favors us.

What is SO noticeable as I peruse the photos and videos shot...God is ALIVE and WELL in Vietnam. He is at work among its people! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, in both the United States AND Vietnam.

He's working through the "underground" church, house to house, door to door. It's fascinating...people are putting their faith in Jesus and growing up to be like Him, right smack in the midst of a communist country.

God's working through a Pastor who is giving himself to training leaders, 87 of them now. Leaders who have gone back to their towns, villages and communities...a vital part of their church making a difference.

He's working through, who I refer to as the "Pizza Man" and a Non-Proft called Giving It Back To Kids, that channels life altering activity...stuff like The Father's House (Unwed Mom's home), through 24 "street" kids in a home in Danang, as well as in the community of 14 "street" kids at Grace House in Saigon. Then there is what I call the "covert" God stuff of heart surgeries and home building and 45,000 wheelchairs distributed.

God is working in launching a brand new church through the simple tool of a well for water...and the list could go on and on...

The Crossing...this only scratches the surface of what I've seen of the supernatural surge of God's Spirit in Vietnam! Thanks for coming "with" me on the trip. Keep praying, please!

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Pictures and Video from Vietnam

2010-04-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Internet service has been very sketchy, but I have been able to get some of my pictures and videos through.

I got to experience firsthand riding a scooter in Vietnam. This is what it looked like. Check it out!

This picture is from a house church where I got to preach on Sunday. 98% of churches in Vietnam are "house churches".

These were two people who received wheel chairs from Free Wheelchair Mission that I had the opportunity to interview.

This is a boy in the 3rd grade who had his leg amputated when he was 9 weeks old.

This one is of a young man who had polio...until this chair he crawled on his hands and belly everywhere he went. He was SO excited and had such a big smile!

These are only a few of the incredible things that I have seen and taken part in here in Vietnam. Thank you so much for following my trip and for praying for my time here!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Can Tim eat durian without getting sick?!?!!

2010-04-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

Watch Tim Celek as he attempts to eat durian...

Living Water

2010-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

When my internet connection is improved I'm hoping to post a number of videos of my excursion yesterday. It was quite fascinating. I was in Can Tho which is approximately a 5 hour drive south of Saigon. Can Tho is the 4 largest city in Vietnam. It sits on the Mekong Delta, which is a series of interconnected rivers, streams and canals that reach FAR out into the countryside. There are rice paddies everywhere the eye can see.

After driving about 1 hour west of the city, we got into a narrow river boat. By narrow I mean wide enough to sit down, well wide enough for one LARGE American like me. The river is fairly narrow, enough for two boats to pass. Each side of the channel is dotted periodically with homes, some right on the river.

It doesn't take to long to realize the river is their source of life. It's where they bathe, clean clothes, catch fish to eat, raise ducks to sell or eat. It moves goods to the market. Water from the river is crudely pumped to irrigate the rice fields. (Please check back to see pictures and video in the next days)

After about 30 minute ride on what had to be the original jungle cruise, we stopped at another source of life, a local church. Just a couple of years ago, this church didn't exist. Through the linkage of Giving It Back To Kids and Pastor named, Vu and $200 for a well for water for the community, this church has quite literally skyrocketed. 80 people now call this church home.

By US standards we'd call that small, however, when you stop and think that there is only 60 families in the immediate community...this means the power of the Good News of "Living Water" has spread more than an HOUR away. People ARE so thirsty for something bigger, greater and lasting...something only Jesus can provide, they now drive more than hour by boat to get there.

As I pulled away in our tiny, narrow river boat, I was EXTREMELY thankful for, Pastor Vu, GIBTKs, The Crossing Church and the people of the Promise Land Church of the Mekong Delta. You see, God has used us ALL...across borders, cultures, languages to bring something life changing, both on earth (water), as well for all eternity (Jesus Christ). Gang, that's something that ONLY God can do, YEA GOD!

Here is a video that shows the church:

Thanks so much for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

This will date me...

2010-04-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

This will date me, but I remember during my elementary years and early teens sitting in the dining room eating breakfast before school, watching the Today show. I even recall the name of the newscaster, Frank Blair. I watched daily as he broadcast the reports regarding the Vietnam War.

What was both captivating and disturbing to me wasn't so much the black and white raw reporting from the fields of Vietnam, but at the end of his report, he would always in a matter of fact manner, give the numbers of the dead and the wounded from both sides. I'm not sure why listing the "numbers" of dead seemed odd to me, but it did.

I was thinking about that all day today as we drove around the outskirts of Danang. My thoughts kept going to, "I wonder how many died in these hills. Did they find bodies near this river?" For whatever reason, I kept thinking about the dead...that was until I went to the Father's House which is supported and funded by Giving It Back To Kids.

The Father's House is a home for unwed mothers. At this present time there are 7 moms and their children. The local governmental agencies wanted to call it a home for "unwanted" moms and children. Robert Kalatschan, the founder of GIBTK, wisely said, "Nope, there is no such thing as an unwanted mom or child in God's eyes."

However, let me cycle back to my thoughts today about death...you see, it was at the Father's house where I experienced a geological shift of sorts toward focusing on LIFE. Many of the kids at the Father's House were going to be aborted, killed...for numbers of different reasons. Yet because there is a home where the "unwanted" are WANTED (yea!), the kids you see in the above video, are full of life. They are among the living.

So today, I end my newscast reporting live to you from Vietnam. 7 children are ALIVE...and that's a good thing, because it's a God thing.

Thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P. S. Make sure you watch the video, I hope you notice the "bubbles." No matter the culture, kids squeal with excitement and joy over the simplest of things.

Couldn’t get these faces out of my mind

2010-04-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

After flying out of Saigon to Danang, my focus today was seeing the extensive ministry of Giving It Back To Kids. Robert and Dorothea Kalatschan, who attend The Crossing, are the founders of this ministry in Vietnam. God gripped their hearts a number of years ago after adopting a little Vietnamese girl named Christina. Their concern wasn’t so much for the kids who were fortunate enough to get adopted, it was more for those left behind.

Today, Christina is this beautiful and growing girl who lives with her mom and dad (Robert & Dorothea) and brother, Tommy in Huntington Beach, but her legacy continues here in Vietnam. I had the incredible privilege of spending this day with the AMAZING staff of Giving It Back To Kids.

However, what wrecked me was the man who you see in the photo. The young girl in the photo is his 13 year old daughter. She had heart surgery a number of years ago, but she needs to go in for a second operation. Robert and his team were assessing their ability to assist in the funding of the heart surgery for this beautiful young woman. In the photo, it may be hard to tell, but she NEEDS surgery. She isn’t doing well.

I prayed for her. I even put my hand to her heart, it was like it was pounding out of her chest. I felt incredibly helpless...right then and there I wished I had the gift of healing. I so much wanted this girl to be all right. I have two daughters. I was thinking the entire time, what if this was my Emily and/or Lauren...I’d be screaming, “DO something, please HELP her!”

Which leads me to her dad, his eyes said what my spirit was yelling, “Please do something, please help her!” You can see that in the photo, it doesn’t take any imagination. Sure he tried to hide it with nervous smiles and nonverbal humble gestures. But I could see what he felt, cause I was feeling it myself, in fact, I don’t mind admitting, my eyes are tearing up as I type (I’m acting like my friend, Robert, now).

I am a dad. If my kids’ health was rocked to the core of their being, my eyes would be saying the same thing. The GOOD NEWS is...the funds are in place, this girl was approved for surgery in May...they are going to try to move up the date...I hope this can be accomplished.

What was even more telling to me of this man’s character is...he said, “Thanks so much for helping my daughter”, but he didn’t just say thank you for himself, he went on to say, “thank you on behalf of all the families that were in the room that day!”

I’m not sure this man knows Jesus, but on this day, he pointed me to Jesus. You see, in Philippians 2 it says, “Don’t look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.” This man wasn’t there for himself! It wasn’t about him. No, he was a real dad. Real dads don’t just think about theirs kid(s), but they look out for others’ kids as well. I want to be like that...

Thanks for reading,
Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

You're "finally" coming here!!!

2010-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was AWESOME! From the 2 Good Friday services and then the 8 services for Easter, God was honored! Jesus' death and resurrection were proclaimed. I love talking about Jesus. He forgives sins and sets us free...it doesn't get much better!

Due to Easter weekend, I wasn't able to share with everyone at The Crossing that on Easter Sunday night I was hopping on a plane and making my way to Vietnam. I'm actually writing this on a layover while in Taiwan. Someone asked me this weekend, "So Tim, why are you going to Vietnam, weren't you just in India?"

Great question! We have 5 Global Ministry Partnerships at The Crossing; El Salvador, India, Vietnam, Uganda, and Mexico. In most cases, we have been developing these partnership for close to 6 years. Over the course of these years, we have sent teams of various sizes and the resulting relationships have been nothing short of INCREDIBLE!

However, one of the questions that often gets asked is, "When is your Senior Pastor going to visit?" Or as was said to me in well spoken English today, "You're finally coming to see us!"

Please understand, these cultures are quite different from ours in the US in terms of how they view the position of the Senior Pastor. I like to joke that in the US, a pastor is similar to used car sales folks and/or lawyers as far as being esteemed (BTW, I like use car sales people and lawyers).

In most cultures outside the US, Senior Pastors are looked up to and have high standing. Even though our partners have been fine without my visiting presence, there is a unique sense of encouragement one gets in another culture when the "head" pastor shows up, participates and engages in genuine and sincere relationship.

So, this year before the new auditorium and campus are complete, the window of opportunity to see God's work and meet our partners in these five areas of our world seemed best.

Having said all that, God has already done a BIG work in my heart. I've found myself ambushed by God's Spirit in ways I've never before witnessed in the two countries I've visited thus far, El Salvador and India.

I know God has something in store for me in Vietnam. Vietnam will be the first openly Communist country I have ever experienced. I am traveling with Robert Kalatschan, the founder of one of our ministry partners in Vietnam, Giving It Back To Kids. While here I get to see the church that The Crossing built in Can Tho and I will be spending time with Pastor Vu, who trains pastors to go throughout all of Vietnam with the Good News of Jesus.

I ask for your prayers...hey, thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Easter Bunny & Easter Eggs

2010-03-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Initially, this quote shocked and disturbed me, however after more thought on the topic, why would I have expected anything more?

David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Research Group, stated that based on recent research, "most Americans continue to view the Easter holiday as a religious celebration, but many of them are not clear as to the underlying reason for the occasion. Perhaps most concerning, from the standpoint of church leaders, is that those who celebrate Easter because of the resurrection of Christ are not particularly likely to invite non-churched friends to worship, suggesting that their personal beliefs about Jesus have not yet translated into a sense of urgency for having spiritual conversations with their acquaintances."

Easter is not about a bunny or eggs. Don’t misunderstand my sentiments, I’m not trying to squash the childhood feelings and celebrations of many. My family and I have participated over the years with eggs and bunnies and we had an enjoyable and fun time doing so. Yet, Easter is WAY more!

The Easter season is HUGE!!! The trajectory of our entire existence, both now and forevermore, can be and is altered because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. As a result of what we celebrate on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I have a sense of urgency for people in my relational world, therefore I’m asking you to do what I am doing...this weekend and next weekend, invite someone to join you in attending The Crossing. These next TWO weekends will be informative and instructional, uplifting and celebratory. DO NOT MISS them! Someone you bring might not ever be the same again!

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S.

Our Easter service times are:
Saturday, April 3rd at 5 & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 4th at 8:30, 9, 10, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. & 12 p.m.

Click here to use our online Evite to invite your family and friends to one of our Easter services.

Is this the END of the world?

2010-03-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

There’s a very real fascination with the future. The best selling “Left Behind” book series captivated believer and non-believer alike with the very real possibility that SUDDENLY planes would lose pilots, cars their drivers and parents would be snatched up right before the stunned eyes of teenage children. Yet these were only well written novels...stories...fables. It couldn’t really happen, could it?

In the past weeks, the earth’s rumblings have seemed to garner more than a passing bit of attention. There was the Haitian earthquake, the earthquake in Chile, another in Turkey. This past week we even experienced a 4.4 trembler here in Southern California. Is all this rattling and rolling, death and destruction trying to tell us something?

Did you see the movie, “2012”? I didn’t...frankly I wasn’t sure it was going to be all that good. However the written teaser caught my attention, “Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists and governments. '2012' is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world...”

Is everything going to end in 2012? Well, I got to thinking about Jesus’ words, “Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.” (Matthew 24:7-8) Quite possibly, this is it! Shoot, there’s more fighting, more famines, more freaky happenings than EVER before!

Join me this weekend at The Crossing where we will discuss the question, “Is this the END of the world?” I would very definitely encourage you to bring someone with you.

Do not miss this weekend!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

2010-03-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

What an amazing six weeks it has been at The Crossing as we have considered how HOPE Lives through us, the church. As a church body we were able to ensure that 840 children can eat this next year, and another 70 children were sponsored, bringing our overall total to over 600, changing their lives and their families lives forever. We were able to identify to some degree with the challenges a majority of the world live with when it comes to food and living conditions as we engaged in the 5 Day Challenge and went through the experiences in the plaza.

God was stirring, The Spirit was convicting and people were responding and reacting as we looked at how Jesus came “to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Thanks for how so many of you engaged in this series, we still have a long way to go as a church but it is an honor and privilege for us to be part of what God is doing in our community and world. My hope and prayer is that hope will indeed continue to live through us each and every day as we process the opportunities God places before us.

Speaking of opportunities to let Hope Live, just around the corner is EASTER, the weekend that represents the hope we have in Jesus. Jesus paid for our sins, conquered the grave and gives us the hope of eternal life! Let’s be a part of letting hope live through us this season by not only attending one of the Easter services but participating in bringing that message of hope to others by:

#1 – Inviting some friends, family, neighbors or work associates. For a virtual invite to send a friend, click here.
#2 - Serving at one of the Easter services so all our guests are well taken care of as they come. For more information on serving at Easter, click here.

There are so many people in our area in need of hope. Let’s reach for them serve them and allow God’s message of love and hope to flow!!!

In His Strength,
Ian Stevenson
Pastor of GO
The Crossing

Sometimes things don't make sense

2010-03-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

Just chilling in Newark airport. Got here at 4 a.m., I think that's like 2:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday my body time. What's really goofy to process is...I got up at 2 a.m. on Wednesday here in New Jersey, which is like 11 p.m. on Tuesday in So. Cal. Are you confused? I am :-)

Sometimes things just don't make a lot of sense. For example, I just left the "poorest" country in the world and now I'm in what maybe the "richest" country in the world, the United States of America. It was just ONE week ago where I saw some of the worst kinds of poverty one can experience as I walked trhough one of the largest slums in India.

I'm typing this next to an active coffee bar, restaurant in the terminal. The aromas are overwhelming, freshly baked goods and the incredible smell of brewed coffee are such a positive assault on the senses. And to think a week ago, I had such a strong urge to VOMIT because of the stench of raw sewage and fecal matter running through the narrow streets of the slum. A smell that men and women, boys and girls, breathe in EVERY single day. Sometimes things just don't make sense!

I met the strongest, brightest, enthusiastic young leaders that India has to offer, no not in some technology company, but in a Compassion International Child Development Center. Leaders who grew up in the slum and instead of running as far as humanly possible from what seemed to me as misery and hopelessness, they've stayed! They work! They minister with such exuberance and joy!

It sure must make my occasional sniveling and whining over my job difficulties or life's curve balls look painfully pitiful to my God. Sometimes things just don't make sense!

I'm still processing all that I encountere. I'll do my best to unpack some of it in the days ahead. Please check back. Thanks for praying for Ian and me, it means a ton! This trip will make me a better pastor, a better leader and better person.

DO NOT miss this weekend, I REALLY look forward to closing out the series, Hope Lives,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Don't forget about the Time Change this coming weekend, the clocks get set forward (Spring Forward).

A Blind Date...experience

2010-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've been married for 30 amazing years, but then again, I'm an AMAZING guy (more like Sue is near sainthood). So I've been off the dating circuit for quite some time. However, as a pastor I have heard stories through the years of numerous folks as they've express their blind date experiences, some good and some horrible.

Just the words, "blind date", conjures up all kinds of emotions, apprehensions and "what ifs". What if they don't like me? What if I don't like them? What if I say the wrong thing? What if we disagree on some key life issues? What if my vision for living is different from theirs? What if they don't call again for another date?

You can easily sabotage any semblance of a potential relationship just by fretting, stewing and spewing, about the what ifs of this hopeful relationship.

As I flew to India roughly 10 days ago, many "what ifs" raced through my mind. You see, we were coming here to meet our prearranged Indian church "partner". This "marriage" was arranged through Compassion International as the result of a pilot program that The Crossing has been selected to be a participant.

After a 2 hour flight to Bagdogra Airport (smack between Nepal and Bangladesh), then driving 4 hours south to Katihar, we met and then spent time with our church partner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What a FANTASTIC time we had!

The Senior Pastor has been at this church for over 40 years. He's led a substantive and extensive ministry in the Katihar region of the state of Bihar, India. He's a humble man of prayer with a huge heart for his community. They partner significantly with Compassion International in leading a Child Development Center by the name of Bethel Church Association Child Development Center (In fact, you can sponsor children this weekend from this partnership).

This Child Development Center has led to increased respect and impact with the people in the various tribal villages of this particular slice of the State of Bihar.

I AM STOKED as to what God has in store for this new developing relationship. Together our church, The Crossing, and Pastor Samuel and the Bethel Church Association have the opportunity to see increased impact in the lives of families and children.

I, for one, look forward to the days ahead where many from our church will go to India and meet our friends there. Your life will be changed just as mine has!

Thanks for praying, thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. By the time, you read this I might have actually begun the flight across the Atlantic Ocean to the good ole, US of A. Make sure you're at The Crossing this weekend, I'll be sharing more about this trip. Don't forget, if you're coming on Sunday, this is TIME CHANGE weekend (Spring Forward).

Heading Home

2010-03-08T01:18:00.000-08:00

As you read this...Ian Stevenson and I will be packing our bags preparing to hop on a plane (1 of 4) Tuesday morning. We're heading home.

Just the concept, "heading home," is a great thought...can't wait to see my hot (it's okay for me to say, of course she's blushing right about now) babe of a wife in Sue! Yessssss!

And then to get caught up with my young adult kids' happenings over the past 12 days is going to be awesome. I can't wait to reconnect with the greatest staff and church in the world. For so many different reasons, it will be better than nice to be home.

Home to me is a good thing, but I can't help but think about the many men, women and children, who have allowed me the extreme privilege to be a part of their world over these past few days.

What do they think of when they think of home?

What does the double orphan, a child whose lost both mom and dad, what is home to them? What about the day laborer who seeks and searches again for another 40 cents to $1 a day employment, only to be turned away yet again, what do they say to their family when they return home at the end of a day?

What about the mom who has no training on caring for infant and no food in her home to nourish her child? What about young girls 12, 13, 14 and up, sold out of their home into an ever expanding sex trade market? What about a preschooler or elementary child who steps out their home into raw sewage? What about...no I think I stop right there...

I know God's Word says for those in relationship with Him, this is NOT our home, but can those in the above paragraph really drink that in and hear such amazing news as this. And why would they want to, when "home" isn't anywhere they'd want to be.

Yet as seemingly dire and difficult life can be for many I encountered, I saw first hand PHENOMENAL people, men, women, children, pastors and parishioners, project managers, partnership facilitators and community intervention specialists who ARE rebuilding "homes" for people. No, not necessary in the physical sense of four walls and door, but these folks are rebuilding (The family in the photo is just one example among many I met) lives .

They ARE doing amazing work, but they don't even see it as work (Unfortunately, I might). They're providing a new and a very real concept of home. Sure the need is overwhelming, but these Godly, faith-filled, compassionate people are seeing it happen one life at a time.

Thanks for praying, thanks for reading,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Make sure you make plans to be at The Crossing this weekend, I will be sharing thoughts and insights about my trip to India and more (Remember this coming weekend, clocks get changed, SPRING FORWARD)

How people drive in Katihar, India, VERY interesting!

2010-03-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Driving is an art form in cities in India; A LOT of HONKING and near misses, definite adrenaline rush!

One of My Top Twenty Best Days

2010-03-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I had one of my top twenty best days today and it started with a Compassion International Child Development Center welcoming us with a group of 256 kids , complete with our names on a sign that said welcome in English! Next there were home visits in communities that have never seen a white person...where you could definitely picture Jesus walking into the scene of tribal peoples.

It was surreal at times what I got to experience this Saturday, the 6th of March in Katihar, India. From a morning driving crazily...to getting on a scooter that belonged to a totally secular young boy, to having THE most delightful and meaningful time in the home of Pastor Samuel.

I wish you could have seen the eyes I looked into, prayed for the people I prayed for and listened and watched children present with HUGE HEARTS open to me, a total stranger.

The people I was surrounded by today, by our standards are poor in things, but RICH in Spirit...it made me ponder...we in the OC, who most often are rich in things, but poor in Spirit.

I decided today, it's way better to be rich in Spirit!

Thanks for praying,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

A Day I'll NEVER Forget, A Day of Extremes

2010-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

Speechless, stunned, shocked, horrified, difficult, overwhelmed, repulsive, emotional...all descriptor words of what I witnessed, touched, smelled, and heard, this day, in one of the largest slums of India.

Yet, today was also a day of dancing, welcoming, smiling, playing, eating, giving, laughing, enjoying, transforming...all in one of the largest slums of India. (Make sure you read to the end)

It was a day, I'll never forget! It was a day of God given extremes. I saw poverty, but I also witness God instilled potential. This day was more than mere compassionate tourism, it was observing magnificent life giving transformation...transformation of marriages, transformation of families, transformation of a children and transformation of communities.

There are 30 people here from the US. While not being the novice traveler of the group, I can't call myself seasoned. There are some here who have been to 13, 14, or 15 countries. On site at these various locations, they've witnessed unspeakable personal and communal difficulties as the result of poverty. Yet, to a person this day, even those most experienced, found themselves repeating over and over again the words found in the first paragraph. They even went so far as to say, "I've NEVER seen anything quite like it."

While I hope to post pictures...in this case photos don't tell the real story. It's like seeing in 2D, when reality is 3D.

Having said all this, you MUST know, I saw a church in this slum that IS making a holistic difference. I saw sponsored children and their moms, children and moms from this very bleak Indian slum...the children attend a Compassion International development project held on the campus of this church, these kids embody the words in the second paragraph of this blog.

Some one once asked, "How do you change a community?" Another person responded back with, "You do it...ONE LIFE at a time!" Well, today, I saw firsthand 299 lives. Kids whose circumstances might be dire by anyone's standards, but their eyes, their faces, their bodies said, "Through the power of Jesus Christ, my world's changed and I will change my world..."

Was it hard to see what I saw? I'd be lying if I said, no. But instead of seeing what is, I'm joining with these kids, their teachers and their leaders, I'm going to look at what CAN BE!

Thanks for reading...thanks for following this trip...most of all thanks for praying,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Tim interviews the East India director for Compassion International

2010-03-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

In this interview he shares his heart for the important of partnership with the church in East India and he invites you to come to India one day.

Ian and Tim laying out the schedule for their time in India

2010-03-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Going to the set of Slumdog Millionaire

2010-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I float 37,000 ft above the earth some where over Turkey, my mind races wondering what does God have in store for me in India. These are the longest flights I’ve ever been on...21 hours of plane time, 5 hours of layover time...literally going halfway around the world. Before I left, everyone said, “It’s not that bad, they have those seat-back movie on demand deals, you can watch movie after movie after movie. The time will fly (no pun intended), right?”

Well, they don’t have the seat-back deals, just two old school 747s, where you have a stuck in ceiling, smallish screen monitor apparatus. So I haven’t been watching any movies. Tried to listen to a book on my iPod, did okay for a while, until unknowingly I fell asleep. Now I don’t know how many chapters of exciting content I missed or where I left off. I guess “audio” books are best left for long car rides, not marathon plane trips.

Oddly though, given the constraints, I’m enjoying the journey. I like to travel, whether by sailboat, Harley, or a jumbo jet. Yet my emotions seem in suspended animation. I’m going to a country that everyone says is “the poorest country in the world". So what will I see? What will I hear? What will I smell? What will I be afraid to touch? I’d be less than honest if I didn’t tell you I have a bit of apprehension for what might be on the other side of each of those questions.

I’m thinking I may not like what I see and may want to look away. Or maybe the aromas will be abhorrent in the slums we visit. As the plane moves, I’ve been thinking, I’m going to land of Mother Theresa, but I’m no Mother Theresa. And even though Slumdog Millionaire was an excellent movie...this ain’t no movie set, this is going to be the REAL DEAL.

So as my mind races and whirls, I know in the anal-retentive controlling universe I live, I can’t control any of what’s in store, but I don’t have to! God’s in control of the next 8 days. Like the old song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands...” and that includes me.

Please check back often...each day I’ll do my best to post content, either pictures or videos allowing you to experience India with me and Ian as we travel. Finally, please pray for us, Ian Stevenson and me, we count on your prayers.

Enthusiastically anxious,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Check out Tim and Ian's welcome video from Dehli

2010-03-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Why go to India?

2010-03-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

View the latest video from Tim and Ian:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitvid.com%2F88F4C&h=2e68f1c2f7cc964e2b6b38c0413a8038

Well, as you read this...Lord willing, Ian and I will be on our flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Delhi, India. Why are we even on this trip?

Well, this summer Compassion International (you can find more about them here)announced that they were launching a pilot Church 2 Church (C2C) partnership program, their first ever. So they asked churches who would be interested to sign up. Over a 1,000 churches indicated interest and they selected 37 churches. The Crossing was one of those selected.

We were assigned the region of India, not knowing who our church partner would be. We learned of our C2C partner church in January of this year. Their name is Bethel Church Association. They are located in Katihar, India in the state of Bihar. Remember, India is the poorest country of the world. This church, though in India, is quite similar to our church. They have a BIG heart for those who are outside the walls of the church and those who are the “least” and the “last.” I am excited to meet their Senior Pastor. I am very intrigued to hear from them how they do what it is they do in a society that is quite different from ours. Often times, in their world, people are often HIGHLY militant toward Christians. Remember, Hindu and Muslim are the predominant religions in this region.

I ask you pray for us, not only while we’re in Delhi (from Wednesday – Friday morning,) also pray as we travel to Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, India which is in North Bengal. You can find it on a map, it’s right between Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. This region is quite antagonistic toward followers of Jesus.

All in all, God has a plan for Ian and myself, but He has a bigger plan for those of us at The Crossing as we seek to learn from our brothers and sisters in India.

Tim

Journey of Hope

2010-03-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Watch a video from Tim as he begins his trip to India.

The "Why" behind the 5-day Challenge

2010-02-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

5 days with ONLY tap water (no coffee or sodas), oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice & beans, a couple of ounces of chicken, beef or fish with a sporadic few veggies thrown in doesn’t seem all that hard, does it? And why do it?

I’ll get to the why in just a moment...but before I do, as I was walking the aisles of my local grocery store preparing for the 5-day Food Challenge as an active participant in this series, “Hope Lives”, I was overwhelmed with the options and choices available for something as simple as OATMEAL. Not only were there numerous brands, but the varieties of selection between cinnamon, maple sugar, apple spice, vanilla, to only name a few were amazing!

I couldn’t help but wonder, as ALL I wanted to purchase was just plain, ordinary oatmeal, what would it be like NOT to have any; not cinnamon, not apple spice, not even the plain, ordinary kind, just none, nada, nothing. On this particular day, I stood there in aisle 7 silent, realizing I have NO idea what it’s like for ‘most’ in this world. I’d like to believe I can identify, but my reality is SO FAR from the majority in our world. I could go 30 days and still not fully know or grasp the horrible, daily reality of so many.

I made a commitment to God that day in the store that I would take each day of the 5 days with GREAT joy! There would be no whining or complaining or moaning as I’m often prone to, but I would enter into each day with gladness. Why? Well, for me this is only an limited experience, yet for others it’s their life.

So why have we asked you to do this for 5-days? Gratefulness and thankfulness for the plenty we have is one reason. Awareness of the plight of so many in this world who die from malnutrition or the lack of water is another motive behind this all. But in this case, there’s something more. All the money you have saved because you didn’t buy coffee or appetizers or lavish lunches or dinners, THIS weekend we will take up a special offering and ALL the dollars will go to paying for the roughly 300,000+ meals that we packed as a church last week.

As your pastor, I thank you in advance for what you will give, because of what you didn’t spend!

See you this weekend,

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Two things: first, some have told me that they “caved” and didn’t make it to day 2. Well...give it another try! You’ll be glad you did. Second, for those with children or students, they are to bring back their M&M containers to The Crossing filled with quarters, THIS WEEKEND!

5 Day Meal Challenge

2010-02-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

I want to thank you for signing up to be a part of “The 5 Day Meal Challenge”! I am so excited about how The Crossing (you & our church) is striving to allow HOPE to Live through us.

Did you know that during this past week God used 1,380 volunteers to SERVE by packing 306,720 meals with Feed My Starving Children! These 306,720 meals are enough food to feed 840 children for a full year! AMAZING! These meals that we packed are sent by Feeding My Starving Children (fmsc.org) to various parts of the world to children who are in a malnourished condition. So a big THANKS goes out to everyone who packed meals.

Now here is where YOU come in...this next week beginning Monday, February 22nd thru Friday, February 26th, we have the opportunity as a church to STAND with a majority of the people in the world (80%) who deal daily with challenging food and water issues and don’t enjoy the abundance of access to food and water that we have in our country. This link will take you to our website where a PDF is available that will help you during your 5-day Meal Challenge. You can use this information to put together meal plans, portion sizes and what to purchase in the grocery store this next week. you as together, we STAND with our friends across the world.

5 Day Meal Challenge Information: Click Here

This is VERY IMPORTANT, please remember to set aside the money you “save” from not eating or drinking what you normally would during this 5-day period and BRING this money with you this coming weekend, February 27/28 to The Crossing. These monies will be used to pay for the 306,720 meals we packed for Feeding My Starving Children. Also, if you have a teenager or child, they have been collecting quarters in their M & M tubes all month. Their money, plus all the monies from the adults of The Crossing, will go toward the 306,720 meals packed. Thank you, this experience is HUGE for us all, not only will we learn first hand how the Majority of the world eats but we get to give back.

My prayer, as we continue participating in the HOPE Lives series, is that God continues to impact our hearts, minds and actions so that HOPE does indeed flow through our church in more impactful and expansive ways! Thanks for being a part!

Tim Celek
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

Thinking Disturbing Thought

2010-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Are you ever surprised by your thoughts? I am! Would you ever be in trouble if someone could read the caption over your head? I would be. Now for a little pastoral confession time...

When I see a REALLY dirty person...often I’m thinking, why don’t they take a shower. When I see someone who “looks” sort of poor or impoverished...I’m thinking, why don’t they get a job. When I see someone of certain ethnicities loitering around the church or my neighborhood...I’m thinking, what do they want or might they be “casing” the joint. When I see someone asking for money...I’m often thinking, don’t give them any. It’s going to end up going to drugs or alcohol.

Needless to say, God has used this series, “Hope Lives”, to ROCK my world! I am realizing I have a long way to go to be more like Jesus. Yet what I’m discovering through the comments, emails, interactions and conversations with many of you as you’ve let your guard down, much of your thinking runs along the same lines.

This causes me to think that it would be fair to say that American attitudes toward the poor...and perhaps not just in America...are mostly disdain and/or fear. Sometimes there's a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they're simply lazy or inferior. Other Americans are more kind-hearted but prefer not to look at the poor too closely, it's depressing and they're surely not fun people to be around.

I challenge you to allow God’s Word to go deep inside of you, as I’m asking that it goes way down into me. Here are some passages to reflect upon and consider...

“Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger/alien, the orphan, or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
Jeremiah 22:3

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:20-21

“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor.” Psalm 140:12

“And Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read... ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He appointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD... Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” Luke 4:16-21

Jesus’ own words are enough to DISTURB me. I know the topics we’re discussing on the weekends are NOT easy. Thank you for praying for your heart. Thank you for seriously thinking about these topics. Thank you for considering the heart of God for the “least of these”.

Tim
Lead Pastor
The Crossing

P.S. Take a look at the thoughts of someone who went through the Third World Experience at The Crossing this past weekend.

Mayor Award Lauds Local Church...OC Register

2010-02-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

The February 2010 Costa Mesa Mayor's Award will be presented Feb 16, 2010 to The Crossing Church for its volunteer efforts during Costa Mesa High School's Campus Clean-up Day last May.

Hundreds of church members partnered with other local churches and service groups to beautify the school through painting, landscaping and general cleaning. About 4,000 estimated hours of volunteer labor were used for the clean-up.

The Crossing Church contributed thousands of dollars towards materials and supplies and used its connections for the free use of construction equipment.

Mayor Allan Mansoor will present the award to church representatives at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

An EXCELLENT Five Days

2010-02-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

My prayer going into my time in El Salvador was, “God, please open my the eyes of my heart and allow me to see, through my physical eyes what you want me to see, allow me to see through my spiritual eyes what you want me to see, allow me to see through my emotions what you want me to see...”

What did I see/learn?

First: People matter! The culture, ethnicity, race, or country does not matter, people are people. They/we are made in the image and likeness of God. People matter to God, therefore they better matter to me!

Second: Poverty is multi-faceted. I asked a young man who I was traveling with over the past 3 to 4 days, “What is poverty?” He said, “I was taught in school that poverty was lack of resources, mostly material, but NOW I see this is a very limited definition of poverty. Poverty is lacking a relationship with God, poverty is lacking an authentic relationship with a community or with others, as well as lacking resources.” This man, though young in years, was quite wise.

Third: It’s NOT about me. What’s amazing, and I’ll speak for myself, is how often life is all wrapped around me, me, me. There is a tidal wave tendency to be quite “self” absorbed in our American/Orange County culture. However, my identity in Jesus Christ, forces me to think otherwise. The pull might be to make life all about us, but we MUST resist this pull.

Thanks for taking this trip with me. I look forward to seeing you at The Crossing this weekend.

Tim

The Crossing Church

Tiny Tot MMA Fight in Church Nursery

Missed a day, don't judge me!

Do People See Jesus in Me?

A Kick in the Butt!

Two Ears, ONE Mouth!

My Temptation, My Sin!

They get all the breaks!

James 1:5 is a GAME CHANGER!

I'm Tebowing Today!

Way Excited, Day 1, Bible Reading Plan

You're invited, New Series at The Crossing

Special New Year's Weekend at The Crossing

Christmas Services at The Crossing

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Time Change Weekend, "Fall Back!"

A Great Beginning

New Weekend Series at The Crossing

Bald Tires & Bad Brakes

Day One! Road Trip!

Gospel Road Trip on the Harley

Earliest Memories

The OC Marathon and The Crossing Church

Good Friday & Easter Weekend at The Crossing

It's Friday...

Someone used my towel and then…

A Big "Ask"

Days are getting longer, yea!

Ever been cut off in traffic?

Doug and Sarah Davies

What "Really" Matters?

Giving & Receiving

Let it Rain, Let it Rain, Let it Rain!

Building Update

An Invitation

Henry and Joanne Majoue

Giving Thanks…More Than A Day's Worth

Latest building update

More Stories from The Crossing...

Extra Sleep & Politicians

Plaza remodel

Bring On The Brick

Possibly the hardest act of all, letting go

What is the deal with the rain?

Another Story from The Crossing...

Did we ever experience summer?

More Stories from The Crossing...

Everyone has a Story...

Party Crashers

Everyone Has A Story...

August Building Update

What tempts you?

Traffic, OC Fair, Sunshine & Freedom

Give us this day our...

Loving 4th of July weekend!

It's time to Party!

Most impressed, part 2

Excited about the new series, Our Father, the Lord's Prayer

We MUST never forget!

ALL on their own

What a welcome!

Emotional and Heart-filled Greetings

On our way to Uganda

Pride goes before...a forgotten bag

Headed to Uganda!

Pastor Tim & J. Michael Declues heading to Uganda

Nursing homes, Mother’s Day, and Restaurants...

Difficult People

Need some Fuel? by Patrick Detken

Newport Pizza Man and wife love on kids all the way in Vietnam

Our Vietnamese partner, Pastor Vu...training to transform

Reflections...God IS at work in Vietnam

Pictures and Video from Vietnam

Can Tim eat durian without getting sick?!?!!

Living Water

This will date me...

Couldn’t get these faces out of my mind

You're "finally" coming here!!!

Easter Bunny & Easter Eggs

Is this the END of the world?